MP LUKUMAY HIGHLIGHTS ROAD, EDUCATION AND WATER CHALLENGES IN ARUMERU WEST
By Joseph Ngilisho – ARUMERU
The Member of Parliament for Arumeru West Constituency, Dr. Johannes Lukumay, has called upon the Government, through the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG/TAMISEMI – Education), to take immediate and decisive action to address persistent challenges related to road infrastructure, education, and access to safe and clean water facing residents of the constituency.
Dr. Lukumay made the remarks on January 17, 2026, during an official working visit by the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office – TAMISEMI (Education), Mr. Reuben Kwagilwa, who was in the constituency to inspect the implementation of various development projects.
Addressing road infrastructure, Dr. Lukumay noted that residents of Nduruma Ward continue to face serious difficulties due to the poor condition of the Malalua–Nduruma road, of which only 0.6 kilometres have so far been upgraded to tarmac standard. He appealed for the extension of the road by at least five additional kilometres up to Bwawani to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce and improve access to essential social services. He further emphasized that during the rainy season, the road and its bridges become nearly impassable.
Nevertheless, he commended the Government for investing more than TZS 16.2 billion in road projects within the constituency, including the Otulmenti road (1 km), which serves the District Hospital, the Sekei–Oligilai road (1 km), and the Sanawari–Oldonyo–Sapuko road (3 km). He further requested the construction of a one-kilometre access road to Ilboru Secondary School, citing the school’s national importance and historical significance.
Dr. Lukumay also drew attention to the long-delayed Mbauda–Oljoro–Losinyai road project, which has stalled for an extended period, depriving residents of Oljoro, Losinyai, and Aparalwe of opportunities to benefit from their agricultural production. In addition, he called for the construction and rehabilitation of key bridges at Mbuyuni, Mirongoinne, and Timbolo Forest to enable safe transportation and enhance economic activities.
In the education sector, the MP praised the Government for the improvements made at Kiutu Secondary School but noted that significant challenges persist in several other schools. He cited Losinoni Secondary School, where students are forced to walk long distances and are exposed to the risk of wildlife attacks. He requested the construction of four classrooms and one dormitory at Olmotonyi Secondary School to enable its elevation to Advanced Level (Forms Five and Six) status. He further urged the completion of eight unfinished classroom structures at Losikito Secondary School, as well as in two other secondary schools.
Regarding primary education, Dr. Lukumay reported that more than TZS 1.7 billion has been invested in the construction of classrooms and teachers’ houses. However, he underscored the persistent shortage of teachers’ accommodation, citing Imayani Primary School as an example where teachers are compelled to commute distances of more than six kilometres.
On water supply, Dr. Lukumay observed that despite the existence of a major water project valued at TZS 520 billion, several wards, including Arumeru, Sambasha, Kimnyaki, Olmotonyi, Kiranyi, Tarakwa, Olorien, and Kiutu, have yet to adequately benefit from the initiative. He urged the Government to ensure that communities fully benefit from the project, particularly in light of the widespread problem of fluoride-contaminated water, which poses serious public health risks.
In conclusion, Dr. Lukumay expressed his appreciation to the Government and to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the continued implementation of development projects. He emphasized that residents of Arumeru West remain hopeful that their longstanding challenges will continue to be addressed through sustained government commitment.
For his part, the Deputy Minister for TAMISEMI (Education), Mr. Reuben Kwagilwa, underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight in the preparation and execution of education and local government development budgets. He noted that the sector’s budget has increased significantly from TZS 275 billion to approximately TZS 1.1 trillion, a development that necessitates close monitoring by regional and district leaders to ensure optimal utilization of resources and tangible benefits to citizens.
Mr. Kwagilwa stressed that all reports from District Commissioners, Members of Parliament, and relevant implementing institutions must be submitted in a timely manner. This, he explained, would enable effective joint consultations, proper prioritization, and the identification of key challenges that may hinder the implementation of education and community infrastructure projects.
Speaking on the role of the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), the Deputy Minister placed strong emphasis on the dual structural framework guiding service delivery and infrastructure development. He noted that these structures form the backbone of effective implementation of core education and local development projects.
He further emphasized that adherence to both structures ensures efficient budget execution, timely completion of projects, and improved service delivery to citizens. Mr. Kwagilwa assured Members of Parliament that the major TZS 520 billion project continues to be closely monitored, with all necessary measures duly observed.
Special attention to infrastructure oversight, he added, is intended to ensure that TARURA projects are fully completed, contribute meaningfully to improving citizens’ livelihoods, and align with national objectives for education and community development.
Ends
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