Dodoma - THE government will during the coming fiscal year of 2013/2014 allocate 4bn/- for implementation of the second phase to supply water to villages along the main water pipeline from Lake Victoria to Shinyanga Region.

However, it came to light in the National Assembly that only 154m/- had by March, this year, been availed for implementation of the project out of the approved budget of 400m/-.

Deputy Minister for Water, Dr Bilinith Mahenge, said the government implements the project in phases, noting that during the first phase a total of 39 villages within a distance of five kilometres from the pipeline had been connected to water.

He said residents in the 39 villages started receiving water since February 2009, stressing that all villages within a distance of 12 kilometres from the pipeline will be supplied with water in the second phase of the project.

The explanation by the Deputy Minister follows a basic question by Solwa MP, Mr Ahmed Ali Salum (CCM) on how much has been allocated for implementation of the project.

Dr Mahenge said a total of 100 villages have been earmarked to be supplied with water in the second phase of the programme. They include 14 villages in Misungwi District, 22 villages in Kwimba and 46 villages in Shinyanga rural as well as 18 villages in Kahama District.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office (Environment), Dr Terezya Huvisa, has urged lawmakers here to educate the public on preservation of existing water sources amid challenges of climate change.

The minister said even as the country now depends on existing water bodies such as Lake Victoria, there is a need to preserve existing sources since even the bodies could experience reduced water levels due to climate change.
 

Source : allafrica.com

Posted on : 30 Nov,-0001