Africa-Press – Tanzania. The 16.4bn/- Membe Irrigation Project in Dodoma Region has reached over 90 per cent completion, setting the stage for increased agricultural production and protection of key national infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Speaking during a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock, National Irrigation Commission (NIRC) Director General, Raymond Mndolwa said that the Membe Irrigation Dam Project in Dodoma Region is set to bring major benefits to farmers and secure critical national infrastructure.
He noted that beyond boosting farming activities, the Membe Dam will play a vital role in protecting the SGR from flood damage.
“We are all witnesses to the massive destruction caused by floods in areas like Kilosa every year. The construction of this dam will help to control the flow of water, reducing risks to our modern railway line,” he explained.
The project will have the capacity to irrigate 2,500 hectares and benefit more than 1,500 people.
It is one of 22 strategic irrigation projects being implemented countrywide to boost agricultural productivity and drive economic growth.
With a storage capacity of 12 billion litres, the Membe Dam also aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader vision of ensuring every region benefits from irrigation schemes and borehole drilling to transform agriculture into a commercial and reliable sector.
“As the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, we are grateful. Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, all irrigation projects are progressing well and will be completed on time,” said Mr Mndolwa.
Citing ongoing initiatives in Manyara Region worth 80bn/-, he pointed out that similar projects, including dam and borehole construction, fish farming, and tourism development, are being rolled out nationwide.
Highlighting the multiple benefits of the Membe Project, Mr Mndolwa said it would enhance food production, promote aquaculture and tourism, and improve the resilience of infrastructure, while also reducing the government’s expenditure on disaster responses in flood-prone areas.
On her part, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary responsible for economy and production in Dodoma region Ms Aziza Mumba, said the project is a timely intervention as the region continues to face water scarcity.
“This year, we received below-average rainfall, which is a threat to agriculture. The Membe Dam will ensure reliable water supply, shifting farming from rain-fed dependence to modern commercial agriculture, improving household incomes and national revenue,” she explained.
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