The persistent heavy rain in Tanzania has led to widespread havoc, with more than 30 houses and a school demolished, cornfields destroyed, and livestock missing in Mbeya.
According to eyewitnesses the incidents in Itezi Ward, Uyole valley unfolded yesterday morning amidst the continuous downpour, where a massive landslide from Kawetele mountain resulted in extensive damage, including completely destroying Generation Primary School building, except for one classroom and an office.
“Thanks to the swift intervention of local residents, and the prompt response of regional and district committees following the disaster, I have also reached out to Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, who is our Member of Parliament, who was on her way here to assess the situation firsthand,” Councillor of Itezi Ward on Gombe Kaskazini Sambwee Shitambala said on Sunday.
“The aftermath of the landslide has left many individuals displaced, losing their homes and livelihoods, while the fate of those affected remains uncertain, we pray to God that it doesn’t reoccur,” he pointed out.
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Meanwhile, the government has emphasised that the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) was not responsible for the recent floods in Rufiji and Kibiti, while highlighting that without the dam’s intervention, the floods could have been more severe.
The Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr Mobhare Matinyi, shared these insights during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, addressing journalists from various media outlets to provide updates on the rain and flood situation in the country, which has tragically resulted in 58 reported deaths nationwide due to ongoing heavy rainfall.
“The JNHPP was constructed not only to generate electricity but also to manage flooding risks. So, without the dam’s intervention possibly the flood could have occurred as early as October last year,” Mr Matinyi, who is also the Director of Information Services, MAELEZO, said.