Contaminated well water is not drunk

 

Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala

When you visit the homes of the people of Mbagala, you will notice that this area is blessed with various native trees that thrive in wet environments. Although these places are now inhabited, the natural vegetation in the lowland areas is still visible, especially near the Indian Ocean. Mbagala is adorned with coastal trees such as mangroves and mivinje, which play very important environmental and ecological roles:

Mangrove roots prevent soil erosion caused by strong ocean waves and storms. Mangrove forests provide safe habitats for small marine creatures like fish, crabs, and shrimp as they grow before moving into the open sea. These trees also absorb large amounts of carbon, helping reduce global warming. Mivinje trees act as windbreakers, protecting residential areas like Mbagala Buruda, Mbagala Mission, Mbagala Msikitini, Mangaya, Selenge, and Mtoni Kijichi. They also filter dirt and soil from land before it enters the ocean, helping keep coastal waters clean. In short, this vegetation forms a vital buffer between land and sea.

My reader, these are stories of Mbagala.

Despite poverty, the people of Mbagala value these coastal ecosystems. Mangroves and mivinje are not cut carelessly because they serve as breeding grounds for small fish and shrimp. Occasionally, some trees are cut for fishing purposes, but generally, the community depends on these natural resources for food—especially seafood like small fish, shrimp, and other ocean species.

 

You should also understand this:

Dar es Salaam has several rivers that flow through it and empty into the Indian Ocean. These rivers are important for sewage systems, irrigation, and the environment. Mbagala is especially blessed with two main rivers that flow year-round:

“Kizinga River – originates from Pugu and flows into the Indian Ocean in southern Dar es Salaam (Mbagala). Mzinga River – another permanent river flowing through Mbagala into the ocean. ”

Other rivers in the region include Mpiji (forming a boundary with the Coast Region), Msimbazi (the largest river crossing the city), and Mbezi (flowing into the ocean near Kawe). Smaller streams like Luhanga, Sinza, Tabata, Kijitonyama, and Mlalakuwa all connect to these main river systems.

Interestingly, some of these place names—like Tabata and Sinza—originally referred to rivers rather than the urban areas we know today.

 

Rivers play essential roles: they transport fresh water, minerals, sand, and sediment from land to the sea. They also:

“Regulate ocean salinity, Form new land (deltas) through sediment deposits , Carry nutrients vital for marine life

And Maintain the global water cycle. ”

Mwanakwetu reflects that, growing up, he drank water from rivers like Mzinga and Kizinga, fished in them, and relied on them for daily life. These rivers provided fresh water for cooking, drinking, and washing after coming from the salty ocean.

 

However, there is an important cultural belief among coastal communities:

“If a death occurs in water—whether in a river, well, or the ocean—that place is considered contaminated. People avoid it completely, sometimes forever.

There are many abandoned wells that still contain clean, abundant water, yet people travel long distances to fetch water elsewhere. Why? Because someone once died in that well.”

The belief is:

“A well that has claimed a life is no longer used and
Water from a contaminated well is not drunk.”

Mwanakwetu raises a serious concern:

Why are rivers—sources of life—being turned into places where bodies of murdered people are dumped? Rivers like Kizinga, Mpiji, Msimbazi, Mzinga, and Mbezi are essential for human and environmental survival.This article serves as a strong warning:

“Those who commit such acts will face rejection from society. They will be isolated, and even future generations will carry the consequences of their actions.”

The message is clear:

“Contaminated well water is not drunk.”

I wish you a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com

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