MWE Correspondent
The Minister of State in the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, has directed all districts and local government authorities across Tanzania to urgently clear blocked drains and waterways as the country prepares for potentially heavy rains associated with the expected El Niño conditions.
Prof. Shemdoe issued the directive on September 13, 2026, during the first day of his working visit to Lindi Region, where he was inspecting development projects, assessing the performance of local government authorities and addressing challenges raised by residents.
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The Tanzania Meteorological Authority has warned of rainfall associated with El Niño conditions expected between October 2026 and February 2027. The government has therefore called for early preparedness to reduce the risk of flooding and other weather-related impacts.
Prof. Shemdoe instructed District Commissioners, Council Directors and district managers of the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to work closely with other institutions and communities to ensure drainage infrastructure is functioning properly befre the rains intensify.
He specifically directed the Kilwa District TARURA Manager and the Kilwa District Council Director to work with residents to unblock drainage channels in areas vulnerable to flooding.
The minister said blocked drainage systems could cause rainwater to overflow into residential areas, potentially damaging homes and infrastructure and putting residents at risk.
He also instructed the Kilwa District Commissioner to oversee the implementation of the drainage-clearing exercise and ensure that the responsible authorities take action before the onset of the rainy season.
During his meeting with residents of Kinjumbi Ward, Prof. Shemdoe also responded to a request for the construction of the 30-kilometre Kinjumbi Road to bitumen standard.
He said upgrading the road to tarmac standard would require significant time and resources. As an immediate intervention, he directed the TARURA manager to assess the cost of rehabilitating the road to gravel standard and submit the estimates to his office.
The proposal is intended to allow available road maintenance funds to be used to improve the road and ensure it remains passable throughout the year, particularly during the rainy season.
The directive forms part of wider government efforts to prepare communities and infrastructure for the expected El Niño-related rains.
It follows instructions issued during a working meeting on September 11, 2026, by Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who called on ministries, authorities and relevant institutions to take immediate measures to prepare for and minimise the potential impacts of the anticipated rains.
The government’s preparedness measures also build on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s earlier directive on improving environmental cleanliness in towns and cities. The President issued the directive on September 2, 2026, while swearing in newly appointed Regional Commissioners and Regional Administrative Secretaries.
Keeping drainage systems clear is considered an important part of flood preparedness because blocked drains can prevent stormwater from flowing efficiently, increasing the likelihood of flooding in populated areas.
Prof. Shemdoe’s visit to Kilwa also focused on ongoing development projects and public services.
Speaking on behalf of residents of Somanga Ward, Hashimu Omary Changadua thanked the government for development projects implemented in the area, including the construction of two secondary schools, a strategic market and a health centre.
He said the projects were contributing to improved access to essential social services and supporting local development.
After meeting residents in Somanga, Prof. Shemdoe continued his inspection tour by visiting a crop storage warehouse being constructed by Kilwa District Council.
He also inspected the construction of a market for small-scale entrepreneurs in Njianne Village, Tingi Ward.
The projects are part of broader efforts by local government authorities to improve economic infrastructure, strengthen access to public services and create a more supportive environment for communities and small businesses.
With the expected rainy season approaching, authorities are now under pressure to translate the government’s preparedness directives into practical action, particularly in areas where inadequate drainage and poor road conditions could increase the impact of heavy rainfall.
