Dodoma — THE government has set aside 100m/- in the fiscal year 2012/13, to improve spring water sources for human consumption in Isikizya, Ndono, Lutende and Goweko.

The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Regional Administration and Local Governments, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, said once the project is complete, it will benefit 1,500 people.

He said in the fiscal year 2011/12 the government spent 9m/- from its own sources at council level, to gauge the quality of water from Ilolangulu, Mabama, Upuge, Magiri and Ufuluma springs in Tabora North.

The deputy minister noted that the assessment found out that the spring water was fit for human consumption. In the previous fiscal year of 2010/11 Uyui council spent 4m/- assessing spring water from Isikizya Village and found out that it was fit for human consumption.

"The spring water source was then improved and is being distributed in Uyui (Isikizya) District, which has a population of about 4,000 people," he explained. The whole project costs the government about 200m/-, the deputy minister noted.

Mr Majaliwa was responding to a basic question from Shaffin Sumar (Tabora North - CCM), who wanted to know why the government is not considering Magiri Ward and Ishihimulwa and other areas with spring water for assessment.

He said Magiri and Ishihimulwa villages in Bukumbi Ward have three springs, adding that the whole of Tabora North has a total of 13 spring water sources. "The government recognizes the importance of the spring water sources that is why it has taken such steps to ensure water is available for human consumption.