MEMBERS of the public were on Monday advised to consult experts before starting harvesting rain water through painted iron sheets as the paints contain poison.
However, the rain water is safe for
drinking after 90 days after painting, according to Deputy Minister for
Water and Irrigation Isaac Kamwele.
Engineer Kamwele was answering a
supplementary question by Leah Komanya (Special Seats-CCM) who sought to
know the side effects of drinking rain water harvested through painted
roofs.
The deputy minister admitted that paints
have poison but after three months, the rain water is safe for human
consumption. He however challenged the citizens to consult and adhere to
the experts’ advice.
Answering the main question by Hassan
Masala (Nachingwea-CCM) who wanted to know the government plan to
distribute water from Mbwinji project to all surrounding villages, the
deputy minister said the government has allocated 1bn/- in the 2016/17
budget for the job.
He said the project serves 188,250
residents of Masasi and Nachingwea towns as well as Masasi, Nachingwea
and Ruangwa District councils. Over 40bn/- was spent on the Mbwinji
project, which former President Jakaya Kikwete launched in July 2014.
Engineer Kamwele said the
Masasi-Nachingwea Water Supply Authority intends to expand the Mbwinji
project infrastructure with the view of improving water services in
Masasi, Ruangwa and Nachingwea Districts.
During the project expansion, more
villages including Mtepeche, Naipanga, Chemchem, Mailisita, Mkotokuyana
and Nampemba in Nachingwea District will be connected.
The deputy minister said despite the
1bn/- in the coming fiscal year, the government will continue allocating
more funds to expand and improve water supply in Masasi, Nachingwea and
all their villages.
Meanwhile, the government has completed
designs and preparation of tender documents for Kasulu water project,
Engineer Kamwelwe said yesterday.
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