Mara — THE establishment of the much awaited 40bn/- project aimed at improving clean and safe water services in Musoma Municipality of Mara Region will kick off soon.

The project is funded by the French International Development Agency (AFD), according to the Musoma Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (MUWASA) Managing Director, Engineer Genes Kaduri.

"The contractor is already on the site mobilizing facilities and official inauguration of the project is scheduled to take place any time from now," Eng Kaduri disclosed to the 'Daily News' yesterday.

The Ministry of Water, he said is planning the official inauguration that will involve laying of a foundation stone among other crucial activities. Spencon, a Kenyan firm, has been awarded the tender to execute the multibillion project in collaboration with Degremont from France, according to Eng Kaduri.

The foreign companies will set up several treatment facilities that will help to improve the quality of water in the area as well as replacing old water pipes among other things. "Formal treatment of water is one of the significant aspects of this project that will take about 18 months.

It will help to improve cleanness of the town," he said. Officials estimate that implementation of the project will witness increased access of clean water by Musoma urban population from 76 to around 94 per cent. MUWASA draws water from Lake Victoria.