OVER 3,000 residents of Arri Ward in Babati District, Manyara Region now have access to clean and safe water after completion of a major water project constructed at the cost of over 2bn/-.

The project was funded by the Karim Foundation in collaboration with the local community.

Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State in the President's Office (Planning and Investment) launched the project here yesterday, commending donor partners for their commitment to community development, highlighting the transformative impact of the initiative.

Prof. Mkumbo stated that the government aims to ease the burden on women who have long been forced to carry heavy water containers. He emphasised that such projects are pivotal in advancing the objective.

Shau Erro, Director of Karim Foundation Tanzania, revealed that the project cost over 2.482bn/-, with local residents contributing 128m/- through labour, including digging trenches and other construction activities.

“Currently, no resident has to travel more than 400 meters to fetch water; the change that has significantly improved the quality of life at Arri,” Erro said.

James Kionaumela, manager of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) in Manyara Region, explained that the project has increased access to clean and safe water in Babati District by 83 percent.

Member of Parliament for Babati Rural, who is also the Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Daniel Sillo, expressed gratitude to the donors and the government for ensuring the community receives quality water services. He described the project as a significant milestone for the people of Arri.

One resident, Betrida Sanka, noted that the consistent availability of water would improve their economic activities.