Long-Running Compensation Claims Due to Water Source Reserve Expansion

TLDR

• A four-year land dispute between 880 residents and the government over compensation for clearing a water source in Chamwino has ended after the state disbursed Sh4.8 billion.
• The dispute involved villagers from Mpera and Sokoine hamlets in Chamwino District, who were occupying the Chamwino Valley water source reserve.
• Deputy Minister for Water Kundo Mathew announced the fund release on August 18, 2026, highlighting the importance of the water source for Dodoma City’s growing needs.
• Since the government moved its operations to Dodoma in 2017, daily water demand has increased from 45 million litres to 159 million litres, while current production capacity is about 88 million litres.
• The reserve originally covered about 740 acres, but was expanded to roughly 2,100 acres due to rising water demand after Dodoma became the national capital in 1973, leading to compensation claims for encroached private.