National Irrigation Commission awards TZS 41 billion contracts for 4 irrigation projects

Tanzania

The National Irrigation Commission has taken a step towards ensuring food security and increasing agricultural productivity in Tanzania by signing contracts with four contractors to construct irrigation infrastructure worth more than TZS 41 billion. The signing ceremony was attended by the Director of the National Irrigation Commission, Mr. Raymond Mndolwa, who expressed his gratitude to the government for providing timely funding for the projects. He also urged the contractors to deliver the projects to the required standards, emphasizing the importance of patriotism in implementing the projects.

The projects are expected to have a significant impact on the economy of the districts and their residents. Several Members of Parliament, including Dr. Alfred Kimea, MP for Korogwe Mjini, Francis Mtinga, MP for Iramba Mashariki (Mkalama), and Jafari Chege, MP for Rorya, expressed their appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for directing funding for irrigation projects in their constituencies. They believe that the projects will improve the lives of citizens by increasing income in the agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and providing employment opportunities.

The Mahenge-Korogwe Scheme in Tanga will cover an area of 480 hectares and cost more than TZS 1.85 billion. Gilco T Ltd is constructing the project. The Msingi Dam in Mkalama Singida, with a 4 million cubic meters capacity, will cost more than TZS 34 billion and is being constructed by Nakuroi Investment Co Ltd. The Iyombo Scheme in Tabora Municipality will cover an area of 500 hectares and cost more than TZS 4.4 billion, with Ami Vai Ltd being the contractor. Finally, the Rabour Scheme in Rorya (Mara) will cover an area of 650 hectares and cost more than TZS 987.2 million, being constructed by Isimila Company Ltd.

The National Irrigation Commission is a government agency mandated to promote and develop irrigation practices, infrastructure, and management in Tanzania. Its goal is to increase water use efficiency for sustainable agricultural production and productivity to ensure food security, poverty reduction, and national economic development. Through its coordination, promotional, and regulatory functions, the commission works to transform agriculture into a stable and competitive sector in the country.

The National Irrigation Commission (NIRC) is a government agency responsible for promoting, developing, and managing irrigation and drainage infrastructure in Tanzania. The commission was established in 2013 under the National Irrigation Act and is charged with coordination, promotional, and regulatory functions in the development of the irrigation sector.

NIRC’s vision is to be a sustainable and dynamic irrigation commission that is a driving force in transforming agriculture into a stable and competitive sector in the country. Its mission is to enhance water use efficiency for increased and sustainable agricultural production and productivity to ensure food security, poverty reduction, and national economic development.

Under its mandate, NIRC advises the government on implementing and reviewing the National Irrigation Policy, Strategy, National Irrigation Master Plan, and related legislation. The commission also coordinates all interventions in the irrigation sector conducted by development partners and other stakeholders, promotes efficient water use in irrigation systems, and ensures compliance with the Integrated Water Resources Management approach in irrigation development.