TANGA: THE new Tanga Regional Manager of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Engineer Alkam Sabuni has vowed to accelerate the implementation of strategic water projects aimed at increasing access to clean and safe water and enabling the region to meet its 2030 target of 90 per cent coverage.
Speaking during an introductory meeting with members of the Tanga Press Club, Eng Sabuni said his immediate priority would be to ensure the timely completion of ongoing water projects while strengthening the sustainability of water services in rural communities.
Taking over from Engineer Upendo Lugongo, who has been transferred to Coast Region, Eng Sabuni said Tanga had already made significant strides in expanding access to water and was well positioned to meet the national target.
“What I have found in Tanga is a commendable situation where water coverage has already reached 75 per cent. Ongoing projects worth over 100bn/- are expected to raise coverage to 88 per cent, putting the region on course to attain 90 per cent by 2030,” he said.
He said that RUWASA’s strategy is guided by the Water Supply and Sanitation Act, which established institutions responsible for water service delivery including those at the community level.
“Our core responsibility is to provide technical backstopping to water service institutions, including Community-Based Water Supply Organisations (CBWSOs) and ensure they operate effectively and sustainably,” he said.
Eng Sabuni emphasised the importance of community participation in the planning, implementation and management of water projects, saying public ownership remains key to the long-term success of rural water schemes.
“We expect strong cooperation from communities and other stakeholders. Greater community involvement is essential if we are to achieve sustainable water services,” he added.
ALSO READ: Govt initiative raises 200bn/- for improving water access
The new regional manager also pledged to build on the achievements recorded under his predecessor, describing the foundation laid by Eng Lugongo as a strong platform for further progress.
He further acknowledged the important role of the media in raising public awareness and educating communities on water supply, sanitation and conservation issues.
Earlier, outgoing Regional Manager Eng Lugongo expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved during her seven-year tenure, during which access to clean and safe water in the region increased from 40 per cent to the current 75 per cent.
“I am proud to have been part of the team that helped transform water service delivery in Tanga. This achievement was made possible through the cooperation of various stakeholders, including the media, local leaders and the communities themselves,” she said.
She identified unsatisfactory payment for water services by community members as one of the major challenges facing the sector, warning that poor revenue collection could undermine efforts to maintain and expand water infrastructure.
Eng Lugongo urged the incoming leadership to prioritise payment compliance, stressing that financial sustainability is essential for the continued delivery of reliable water services.
She also called on stakeholders and the media to intensify public education on the need to protect water sources, saying conservation efforts are crucial for ensuring long-term water security in the region.