Kanungu | 29 October 2026 The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Department of Multipurpose and Bulk Water Development, has held the fourth site meeting to review progress of construction works for the Matanda Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) Dam in Kanungu District.
The meeting, led by Eng. Henry Kizito, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Multipurpose and Bulk Water Development, was preceded by a site inspection to assess the progress of works, identify and address implementation challenges, and ensure timely completion of the project.
The engagement brought together representatives from the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the contractor, China Gezhouba Group Company Limited, the supervising consultant, DOLSAR Engineering Inc./KEA Group, and Kanungu District Local Government. Speaking on behalf of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Rukundo Joshua, Vice Chairperson of Kanungu District, appreciated Government for extending the strategic infrastructure investment to the district. He also commended the project's social workers for their continued engagement and dedicated efforts in working with communities affected by the project.
Eng. Kizito expressed satisfaction with the progress registered and urged the contractor, consultant and other stakeholders to sustain the momentum, strengthen coordination and address outstanding issues to keep the project on schedule.
Project Implementation Progress
Several preliminary infrastructure and support facilities have been completed, including site fencing, offices and dormitories for the engineer and contractor, excavation of internal access roads, installation of a water source and pump, latrines, septic tanks and soak pits, as well as warehouse construction.
Other major construction activities are at advanced stages, with the aggregate processing plant at 99%, powerline construction at 98%, dam excavation at 95%, downstream access road construction at 95%, quarry site preparation at 85% and aggregate storage yard at 83%.
Overview of the Matanda Irrigation Scheme
The Matanda Irrigation Scheme is a strategic Government investment designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen water security and support irrigation-based livelihoods in the region. It comprises three major components: the dam and water reservoir, the bulk water conveyance pipeline and the irrigable command area.
The dam will be a 32-metre-high Roller Compacted Concrete structure with an estimated reservoir storage capacity of 29.5 million cubic metres. It will extend across Kanyantorogo, Katete and Kihanda sub-counties. Through an 11-kilometre bulk water conveyance pipeline, water will be transported from the reservoir to the main irrigation command area, which has a net irrigable potential of approximately 9,000 hectares across Kihihi, Kihihi Town Council, Nyakinoni, Nyamirama and Nyanga.
Implementation of the irrigation scheme is phased as follows:
- Phase One: Covering 2,200 hectares, this phase is under implementation and serves 18 villages in Kihihi Sub-county.
- Phase Two: Covering 2,220 hectares, the phase has been fully designed. Together, Phases One and Two will serve 34 villages across Kihihi Sub-county, Nyanga Sub-county and Kihihi Town Council.
- Phase Three: Covering approximately 4,500 hectares, this phase is awaiting design.
Water will be distributed to designated farm blocks through secondary and tertiary pipeline networks terminating at hydrant points to facilitate access for irrigation.
The Matanda Irrigation Scheme is expected to significantly expand access to reliable irrigation water, enhance agricultural production and productivity, strengthen climate resilience and contribute to improved household incomes and socio-economic transformation in Kanungu District and the surrounding communities.