Access to clean and safe water has significantly improved in Tanzania, marking a major milestone in the government’s development agenda.
As of February 2024, rural water access rose to 79.6%, up from 77% in February 2023, while urban areas saw an increase from 88% to 90% in the same period.
The gains reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring water security for all Tanzanians but, sustaining and expanding this progress remains a pressing challenge that requires continuous effort.
The success is largely driven by strategic initiatives such as the Water Sector Development Program (WSDP), which focuses on improving infrastructure, expanding access to remote areas, and rehabilitating existing water systems.
The government aims to achieve 95% water coverage in urban areas and 85% in rural areas by 2025, aligning with Vision 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Our progress so far is encouraging, but the real challenge lies in sustaining these gains and ensuring every Tanzanian has access to clean water," said Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water.
Despite the remarkable strides, challenges persist. Urban population growth continues to strain existing water infrastructure, necessitating ongoing upgrades.
In rural areas, geographic dispersion, limited resources, and maintenance issues remain obstacles.
Mwajuma Waziri emphasized the need for sustainability, saying, "We must not only expand water access but also ensure that the infrastructure we’ve built remains functional and reliable for the long term."
To overcome these challenges, the government is fostering partnerships with the private sector and international organizations to secure additional funding and technical expertise. These collaborations are essential to achieving the ambitious targets.
"We cannot achieve these goals alone. Partnerships with local and international stakeholders are crucial in our quest to provide safe water to all," Waziri added.
The Ministry of Water has also called on its staff to uphold high standards of service delivery and accountability. Regular maintenance, efficient resource management, and innovation are critical to protecting the progress made.
While the achievements in water access are commendable, the road to universal water coverage requires unwavering commitment.
Continued investment, innovative approaches, and a focus on sustainability will be vital to achieving Tanzania’s water access goals and ensuring long-term water security for its citizens.