MOROGORO- A government backed water project in Sanga Sanga, Morogoro, has helped ease longstanding tensions between farmers and pastoralists by providing a reliable source of water for livestock and local households.
The project, which includes the construction of a livestock watering trough and clean water infrastructure, is serving over 2,000 livestock daily and providing domestic water to approximately 1,400 residents.
The Acting Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment, Hon. Patrick Mwalunenge (MP), led a committee to inspect the project, praising the Ministry of Water for its efforts to address water challenges in the area.
He said the 110-metre-deep borehole produces 15,562 litres of water per hour, describing the project as an important intervention in improving access to clean water while reducing conflicts between communities.
The initiative has also contributed to the protection of Mindu Dam by ending the practice of herders driving livestock to the river banks to access water which had contributed to environmental degradation and the destruction of farmers' crops, creating tensions between the two groups.
Mwalunenge commended the partnership between the Government and international water organisation World Waternet, saying cooperation with development partners had been instrumental in delivering the project.
He urged residents to embrace environmental conservation, particularly tree planting, to safeguard water resources and ensure the sustainability of water services.
In a separate directive, the committee called for the speedy completion of dredging works along the Ngerengere river in the Kihonda area.
Mwalunenge also emphasised the need to plant reeds and appropriate tree species along the river in collaboration with local communities.
The Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board has been tasked with identifying tree species suitable for protecting water resources and supporting environmental conservation.
He said the measures were essential in protecting communities, their livelihoods and property from environmental challenges.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Water, pledged that the Government would act on all recommendations made by the parliamentary committee.
She thanked World Waternet for its continued partnership with the Government in improving water access and protecting the environment, adding that the collaboration would be strengthened to support sustainable water management.