By Charles Mkoka
The National Water Fund (NWF) is managing a vast portfolio of 999 water projects valued at Sh450 billion across Tanzania, with a focus on enhancing water resources and environmental protection. In the past three years, 354 of these projects have been completed, prioritizing the preservation of water sources and sustainable development.
Lawyer Haji Nandule, CEO of the Fund (pictured) shared these achievements during a recent press briefing led by the Treasury Registrar's Office in Dar es Salaam. Nandule attributed these milestones to the initiatives of President Samia Suluhu’s Sixth Government, which has driven progress in the nation’s water infrastructure.
NWF funding is derived from a Sh50 levy on each liter of petrol and diesel sold in the country. These funds provide low-interest loans to water authorities, particularly those facing financial difficulties, aiming to improve infrastructure, reduce water service costs for citizens, and bolster water basin management across the nation.
“Our loans are crafted to support institutions with high operational costs, helping them provide affordable services to customers,” Nandule noted. The Fund currently supports over 84 water authorities, including those in urban centers, districts, and smaller communities.
Beneficiaries include over nine water basins and 102 water sources, such as the New Sola dam in Simiyu and rivers that previously dried up, now restored to their normal state. This reflects NWF’s commitment to ensuring secure water sources and addressing the diverse water needs in Tanzania.
The Fund has also initiated training programs and awareness campaigns for water managers to curb harmful human activities near water sources. Currently, 92 water sources, seven dams, and five rivers are maintained with financial assistance from NWF, further illustrating the Fund's dedication to environmental preservation.
Public funds have also been used to install beacons and warning signs around critical water sources, significantly reducing pollution and environmental damage in these areas.
Since initiating low-interest loans six months ago, the Water Fund Board, established in 2016, has been steadily expanding the reach of its financing. Nandule mentioned that the NWF collects around Sh70 billion annually from the levy, though this figure may vary based on fuel prices and consumption rates.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, a representative from the Treasury urged citizens to report any water infrastructure issues, such as leaks, as a patriotic responsibility to protect national resources. The Editors’ Forum also pledged continued coverage of fund collections and project updates to maintain transparency.
Prosper Buchafwe, Director of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Water, thanked the media for keeping the public informed. “A large portion of these projects are in rural areas, and we are proud of the progress made. We aim to ensure that the Fund’s resources reach all parts of the country, protecting water sources for future generations,” he concluded.