By Adonis Byemelwa
Every March 22nd, the world observes Water Week, a moment to reflect on progress in ensuring clean water for all. In Tanzania, this is more than a calendar event—it’s a stark reminder of the daily struggles millions face in accessing safe water.
The Ministry of Water leads these annual commemorations, bringing together communities, policymakers, and experts to assess achievements, pinpoint challenges, and chart a path forward.
Since 1988, Tanzania has joined the global call to action, aligning with UN Resolution 47/193, which established World Water Day. While efforts have expanded access, the reality on the ground remains complex.
Rural areas still battle unreliable supply, urban centers grapple with aging infrastructure, and climate change threatens water sources.
Pioneers like the late Prof. Fredrick Rwegarulila, founder of the Water Institute in Dar es Salaam, laid the groundwork for sector reforms, yet the demand keeps outpacing progress.
Across villages and cities, families adapt—some walking miles for water, others rationing what little they have—hoping for solutions that keep pace with an ever-growing need.
The Ministry of Water has been at the forefront, bringing together stakeholders, policymakers, and communities to evaluate achievements, confront challenges, and chart a course for a future where every citizen has reliable access to safe water.
Yet, beyond the official statements and project launches, the reality on the ground tells a story of persistence, frustration, and hope. In rural areas, water remains a daily struggle.
Speaking recently on UTV, Dr. Tulinave B. Mwamila, a leading voice in Tanzania’s water sector, highlighted the urgency of addressing inefficiencies in water management. She pointed out that water losses should not exceed 20%, yet in Tanzania, the figures are often much higher.
The youthful water expert said Poor infrastructure, leakages, and unregulated consumption have led to wastage on a massive scale, putting additional strain on an already struggling system.
Tanzania is a paradox when it comes to water. It boasts abundant lakes, rivers, and groundwater reserves, yet millions lack access to clean drinking water. The root causes are complex: underinvestment in water infrastructure, governance issues, and climate change. The government has taken significant steps to turn the tide.
In June 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan laid the foundation stone for a 5.5 billion Tanzanian shilling water project in Madaba District, Ruvuma Region. The initiative aims to provide clean water to thousands of residents and aligns with her administration’s broader strategy to expand water access across the country.
For rural communities like Mwamboku in Kashishi Ward, where residents recently handed their MP, Iddi Kassim Iddi, contaminated water to illustrate their plight, these efforts can’t come soon enough.
Their powerful plea resonated beyond the village, highlighting the widespread desperation for clean water. In response, the MP mobilized local authorities, securing a promise that water pipes would be installed within weeks.
While this was a step forward, it reflected a much bigger issue—Tanzania’s dependence on ad hoc interventions rather than systemic, long-term solutions.
In another village, Wami Sokoine, residents face a similar ordeal. Many rely on dirty water, sharing their sources with animals, while others purchase clean water at exorbitant prices—1,500 Tanzanian shillings for a 20-liter jerrycan.
During the dry season, desperation peaks. Some resort to collecting rainwater, an age-old practice that, while helpful, is not a sustainable solution in the absence of proper storage and treatment facilities.
Globally, rainwater harvesting is gaining traction as an alternative water source. Dr. Mwamila, in her UTV interview, emphasized that Tanzania could benefit from structured rainwater harvesting programs.
Countries like India and Ethiopia have successfully integrated such systems into their national water strategies, reducing reliance on unreliable groundwater sources. Yet, skepticism remains about whether this approach is feasible on a large scale in modern Tanzania.
The challenges don’t end with rural communities. Even in urban areas, water supply remains inconsistent.
Leakage and theft contribute to massive losses, compounding the strain on already overwhelmed water utilities.
The late Professor Rwegalulira, a respected expert in Tanzania’s water sector, frequently warned about these issues, stressing the need for strategic investments in technology and human resources to combat water losses.
One of the key hurdles Tanzania faces is the financial sustainability of community-based water supply organizations (CBWSOs). Without sufficient and stable revenue, these entities struggle to maintain infrastructure, pay staff, and expand services.
Tariff structures often fail to reflect operational costs, leaving many CBWSOs in a precarious position. Experts argue that revenue generation should go beyond tariffs, incorporating diverse income streams to stabilize operations.
The government acknowledges these challenges and has set ambitious targets to address them. Minister of Water Juma Aweso recently reported that while over 10,000 villages now have access to clean water, an estimated 2,000 more still need intervention.
To close this gap, the government has secured 53 billion shillings to fund additional water projects, including the drilling of 900 new wells in the first phase of a nationwide initiative.
Water security is not just about infrastructure; it’s also about governance, education, and community involvement. President Hassan has been vocal about the role of local communities in protecting water sources.
Looking beyond Tanzania, other nations provide valuable lessons in water management. Israel, a leader in water technology, has revolutionized its supply through large-scale desalination projects, ensuring 85% of its domestic water needs are met through treated seawater.
The United Arab Emirates, facing extreme water scarcity, has invested over $6 billion in desalination initiatives. While these solutions may not be immediately applicable to Tanzania due to cost constraints, they illustrate the power of innovation in tackling water shortages.
A more immediate and practical solution for Tanzania lies in improving existing infrastructure. The Mtyangimbole water project in Ruvuma Region is a promising example.
Once completed, it will provide 1.9 million liters of water per day, exceeding the local demand of 634,000 liters. Such initiatives demonstrate that with proper planning and execution, significant progress can be made.
Nevertheless, large-scale projects alone won’t solve the crisis. There must be a shift in how water management is approached at the grassroots level. Communities need to be equipped with the knowledge and resources to maintain local water systems effectively. Skilled personnel for technical repairs, financial management, and governance are essential for sustainability.
Ultimately, the road to universal water access in Tanzania is fraught with obstacles, but the progress made thus far is encouraging. Investments in infrastructure, combined with strategic policy reforms and community engagement, could transform the nation’s water landscape.
For women and girls, who have historically shouldered the burden of water collection, these efforts symbolize more than just the installation of pipelines—they represent a future of empowerment, health, and opportunity.
It’s almost unthinkable that a country blessed with vast lakes, rivers, and underground water reserves still faces a water crisis. From Lake Victoria to Tanganyika, from the Rufiji River to the Pangani Basin, Tanzania is rich in water bodies—yet millions struggle daily to access clean and safe water.
Despite ongoing efforts, the Water Ministry says only about 72% of Tanzanians have access to improved water sources, with rural communities facing the biggest gaps. For many, water scarcity isn’t just a statistic; it’s a lived reality.
Women wake before dawn to fetch water, children miss school to help their families, and entire communities rely on unreliable sources, hoping the next drop is safe to drink.
Still, there’s reason to believe in a different future. With stronger policies, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment from both leaders and citizens, the dream of universal access is not just wishful thinking—it’s an achievable goal. Water Week could one day be a celebration of progress rather than a reminder of hardship.
