By Habitat Media Reporter
Lindi. The government has directed all districts and local government authorities across the country to clear blocked drainage systems and waterways in preparation for the anticipated El Niño rains expected between October 2026 and February 2027.
The directive was issued by the Minister of State in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, who said councils must ensure drainage infrastructure is in good condition and capable of handling increased water flows.
Prof Shemdoe issued the directive on September 13, 2026, while in Somanga, Kilwa District, on the first day of his working visit to Lindi Region.
The visit is aimed at inspecting the implementation of development projects, promoting accountability among leaders and public servants in local government authorities, addressing residents’ concerns and encouraging public participation in development activities.
He directed district commissioners, council directors and district managers of the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) to work with other institutions to strengthen preparedness and ensure infrastructure for draining water is adequate ahead of the expected rains.
“I direct the Kilwa District TARURA manager and the Kilwa District Council director to work with residents to clear blocked drainage channels so that during the El Niño rains, water does not overflow into residential areas and cause damage. The Kilwa District Commissioner should oversee this,” Prof Shemdoe said.
The minister also responded to a request from residents of Kinjumbi Ward for the 30-kilometre Kinjumbi Road to be upgraded to tarmac level.
Prof Shemdoe said upgrading the road to tarmac would take time and directed the TARURA manager to assess the cost of rehabilitating it to gravel standard.
He instructed the manager to submit the cost estimates to his office so that maintenance funds could be used to rehabilitate the road and ensure it remains passable throughout the year.
Prof Shemdoe’s directive forms part of efforts to implement instructions issued during a working meeting on September 11, 2026, by the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Deogratius Ndejembi.
The Vice President directed ministries, authorities and relevant institutions to take immediate preparedness measures to prevent and minimise the potential impact of the El Niño rains expected to begin in October.
The directive also follows instructions issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on improving environmental cleanliness in towns and cities.
President Samia issued the instructions on September 2, 2026, while swearing in regional commissioners and regional administrative secretaries appointed on August 27, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of Somanga residents, Hashimu Omary Changadua, a resident of Somanga Ward in Kilwa District, thanked and commended the Sixth-Phase Government under President Samia for constructing two secondary schools, a strategic market and a health centre, as well as implementing various development projects aimed at improving residents’ livelihoods.
After addressing residents in Somanga, Prof Shemdoe continued his tour by inspecting the construction of a crop storage warehouse being built by Kilwa District Council and a market for small-scale entrepreneurs in Njianne Village, Tingi Ward.