Morogoro. Tanzanian Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, on Wednesday March 5, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kidunda Dam project in Morogoro, marking a critical milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to enhance water security.
The dam, which is expected to store 190 billion litres of water, will play a pivotal role in securing a reliable water supply for Dar es Salaam, the Coast Region and Morogoro, while also generating hydroelectric power.
The project, spearheaded by the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa), will cost Sh329 billion and is part of a broader infrastructure initiative aimed at addressing chronic water shortages in the country’s economic hub.
Once operational, the dam will ensure a stable water flow of 24,000 litres per second in the Ruvu River, significantly reducing the need for water rationing, particularly during dry seasons.
Boosting water supply, power generation
Beyond enhancing water availability, the Kidunda Dam will include a 20-megawatt hydroelectric power plant, contributing to Tanzania’s national grid and supporting economic activities that rely on a stable electricity supply.
Additionally, a 101-kilometre transmission line will be built to transport electricity from Kidunda to Chalinze, further improving access to power in the region.
To complement these developments, the project encompasses a 75-kilometre Changarawe-standard road from Ngerengere to Kidunda, improving connectivity and facilitating easier movement of goods and services.
This road infrastructure is expected to enhance economic integration in the region, supporting industries reliant on efficient transport networks.
A pillar of Tanzania’s Vision2050
The Kidunda Dam is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s long-term infrastructure strategy, aligning with National Vision 2050, which prioritises sustainable water and energy solutions to support economic growth.
Prime Minister Majaliwa underscored the government’s commitment to delivering strategic projects that drive socio-economic transformation, urging stakeholders to ensure timely completion of the initiative.
The dam is projected to be fully operational by June 2026, with 21 per cent of construction already completed.
This aligns with the government’s wider efforts to bolster Tanzania’s water and sanitation infrastructure, which includes complementary projects such as the Kimbiji water supply system in Kigamboni and the Mbezi Beach sewage treatment initiative, collectively valued at Sh495.7 billion.
Transforming lives and businesses
Once completed, the Kidunda Dam will improve water supply reliability for millions of Tanzanians, supporting domestic consumption, agriculture, and industrial production.
The additional power generation capacity will also bolster the country’s energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing sustainability.
With Tanzania’s population and industrial activities expanding rapidly, infrastructure projects like Kidunda are crucial for meeting rising demand.
As the government pushes ahead with its infrastructure agenda, the completion of this dam will stand as a major achievement in securing water, power, and economic resilience for generations to come.
