Tanzania’s Arusha Commissioner Grills Monduli Water Manager Over Failed Water Project

By Adonis Byemelwa

Monduli District's Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (Ruwasa) manager, Neville Msaki, found himself in a challenging situation in front of Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda after failing to respond adequately to questions and eventually asking for forgiveness.

The incident occurred on Monday, May 27, 2024, during a public meeting held in the district. A resident requested the regional commissioner's intervention to ensure the availability of clean water.

"Honorable Regional Commissioner (Makonda), there is a village called Lendikija with a water project worth 800 million shillings that does not supply the precious liquid.

The water is turned on in Monduli but ends up in ravines, and then we receive bills. We have lodged complaints even with the ministry, and we are suffering," the resident explained.

Following these remarks, Makonda summoned Msaki and asked if the resident's claims were true.

Msaki replied, "Water is flowing now, Honorable Commissioner."

The dialogue proceeded as follows:

Makonda: What about the bills?

Msaki: They are required to pay according to their water usage.

Resident: Honorable Regional Commissioner, the engineer is aware of the entire issue, and we have struggled with him a lot. The project's challenge is the pipeline because when water is turned on, the pipes burst, and the water ends up in the ravines.

Makonda: Engineer, you are telling me water is flowing, the user says it isn't, and you know this. Why are you lying to me? Who is telling the truth between you and the resident?

Msaki: I am telling the truth, Honorable Commissioner. There was a challenge with the pipes.

Makonda then asked the resident again if the water was flowing, and the resident confirmed that it was not.

Resident: Honorable, I am ready to accompany you; we have been without water for a year.

Makonda: Engineer, when was the last time you visited the project?

Msaki: January this year.

Makonda: What month is it now?

Msaki: The fifth month.

Makonda: It has been five months since you visited the project. My friend, if you lie to me, you will have done something you will never forget in your life. I do not tolerate liars, bribe-takers, or negligent people. Just tell me the truth.

"Right now, my mind is set on going to that project site. I can leave everything and go there. Just tell me with love, is the water flowing or not? If you don’t have the correct information, just say so, and I will understand."

Msaki: Honorable Regional Commissioner, at this moment, I do not have the correct information.

Since assuming office, Paul Makonda's leadership approach has sparked mixed feelings among the residents and civil servants in Arusha. Known for his no-nonsense attitude, Makonda has been lauded by some for his direct approach to addressing issues. However, his methods have also faced significant criticism for being excessively harsh and often humiliating to public officials.

Critics argue that Makonda's style contravenes the principles of respectful leadership and undermines the dignity of civil servants. The Tanzania Local Government Workers' Union (TALGWU) issued a statement condemning Makonda's mode of humiliating civil servants who are part of the union. TALGWU emphasized that while accountability is crucial, it should not come at the expense of human dignity and the morale of public workers.

Makonda's supporters, however, believe his tough stance is necessary to combat corruption and inefficiency within the government. They argue that his approach ensures that public officials are held accountable and that issues affecting ordinary citizens are addressed promptly.

As the debate continues, the situation in Monduli highlights the broader challenges of governance and public service delivery in Tanzania. The residents of Lendikija, like many others, are left waiting for tangible solutions to their pressing water issues, while the discourse around Makonda's leadership style remains a contentious topic.