RESIDENTS of 15 wards in Kyela District, Mbeya Region, have stopped walking long distances in search of clean and safe water after the government completed project worth 4.1bn/-.

The residents reported that before the project, they relied on water from rivers and wells, which was often unsafe and caused frequent stomach-related illnesses.

The project, under the Kyela Water and Sanitation Authority, is expected to benefit all wards in Kyela town and some surrounding villages.

Speaking during the launch of the project in Itope Ward yesterday, the residents expressed their gratitude to the government for completing the project. They said   besides protecting them from diseases, the project would also reduce the time spent searching for water.

One resident, Sela Mwakaje, explained that the area faced significant water challenges, especially during dry season when even wells dry up, forcing them to fetch water from rivers.

She further explained that the situation made life difficult, and at times, they had to suspend   productive activities and spend hours in search of water for domestic and economic use.

“During the rainy season, we collect rainwater for drinking, but during dry season, the situation becomes extremely difficult because our wells dry up completely,” she said.

She added that the problem primarily affected women and children, who bore the burden of fetching water, noting that fetching water from rivers was sometimes life-threatening.

Fred Sanga mentioned that water from wells was unsafe for consumption because wells were often located near pit latrines, leading to frequent stomach illnesses and occasional cholera outbreaks.

 “We request the government to continue completing the project in other areas so that more residents can benefit. For years, we have been using water from wells, and some people even dig latrines and wells in the same compound,” he said.

Presenting a report on the project, Director of Kyela Water and Sanitation Authority, Raphael Francis, stated that once the project is 100 percent complete, it will serve over 127,000 residents.

He added that the area’s daily water demand is over nine million liters but the current production capacity is five million liters, meeting only 60 percent of the need.

Inaugurating the project, Kyela District Commissioner Josephine Manase urged Kyela Water and Sanitation Authority to manage the project efficiently to ensure it serves residents for long time.

She also called on residents to protect the project infrastructure and ensure timely bill payments to maintain the service.