Write to: The Editor, Arusha Times, P.O. Box 212, Arusha. E-mail: arushatimes@habari.co.tz

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Arusha Water supply problems persist

Thank you for your paper, which updates us on what is happening in Arusha.

In your issue of August 9-15, your reporter quoted the manager of the Arusha Water Authority as saying that water needs have been met by 94 percent! How further from the truth!

I want to believe that your reporter got the manager wrong or as they say, was "misquoted"! For how could someone with sober mind dare give such a statement! If the statement is true, then the pipes in the building I work must be connected to a different supply system! For your information, I work in a building located along Boma Road in the central business district.

We go for a week or more without water in our building, the rain season not withstanding! Surely, things have changed for the better since the Authority took over the management of water but it is far, very far indeed from meeting even 50 percent of the needs in the municipality. Nevertheless, the truth is that it is possible to meet the needs as water sources are plentiful in Arusha. What is required is more investment in taping this resources and therefore the call made to the German agency Kfw, was justified.

I have recently learnt from the local press that Dodoma water problems are now history! - what a fear! I have always associated water problems with Dodoma given its geographical location. The question then is, if water problems in Dodoma are history, why is the water problem in Arusha almost our destiny?

In today’s world, if you have a product that has a market, the investment required should, as a rule, be available. Why then is the Authority unable to tap resources from local or global agencies to develop water in the municipality?

I request the authority to be more inventive and resourceful - it needs not depend on the government subventions or donors alone. Once it gets rid of this mindset, there will be room for development. it is certainly not easy but for sure it is not insurmountable. Make haste lest the Bretton Woods guys call at your doors!

A. Metulo

P.O. Box 303

Arusha

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Is insolence ground for arrest? Shame, shame!

Dear Editor:

I am reading the story about the employee at the South African gemstone mine. I am absolutely astounded to learn that "insolence" is grounds for arrest and judgment. And one million shillings set as bond? Perhaps this was so in South Africa during apartheid, but in modern day Tanzania? Is my favorite country going backwards? Unless your article failed to tell of any bodily harm inflicted on the accused's superior, I cannot even imagine such a horrendous misapplication of "justice." Shame, shame.

Sincerely,
Barbara Bullas
Pacific Grove California

Last modified: August 29, 2003.
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