For the fiscal year 2025/26, the Government has allocated 66.57 billion Tanzanian Shillings for the construction of 28,580 toilet stalls in primary and secondary schools.
Responding to questions from Members of Parliament about the need for an assessment of the quality and extent of the shortage of toilet facilities in all primary and secondary schools, the Minister of State in the President’s Office, Mohamed Mchengerwa, emphasized that the Government recognizes the importance of safeguarding the health of both teachers and students.
As such, the Government will continue addressing this issue with the aim of ensuring the dignity and health of students are protected.
Mchengerwa explained that the 2024 Education Census indicates that the required number of toilet stalls for primary schools is 429,599, whereas only 240,320 exist, resulting in a shortfall of 189,279.
This means the male-to-toilet ratio is 1:47, instead of the recommended 1:25, and for females, it is 1:43, rather than the required 1:20.
For secondary schools, the demand is for 135,870 toilet stalls, but only 84,608 are available, leaving a shortfall of 51,262. This results in a male-to-toilet ratio of 1:36, instead of the ideal 1:25, and for females, it is 1:35, rather than the desired 1:20.
In addition, Mchengerwa noted that the Government’s strategy is to assess the quality of toilet facility construction and to continue allocating funds annually for the development of these facilities in both primary and secondary schools.
Furthermore, he assured that every new classroom being built will include at least two toilet stalls.
“During the 2025/26 fiscal year, the Government plans to construct 28,580 toilet stalls, at an estimated cost of 66.57 billion shillings, in both primary and secondary schools,” he said.
Mchengerwa further stated, “A decent toilet is a fundamental right of every student; it may be an unseen issue, but it is one that causes real harm.”
“Let us ignite the torch of dignity in our schools and put an end to the shame of inadequate toilets. The Government is not turning a blind eye to this issue. The goal is to ensure that our schools are safe, respectful environments for both teaching and learning,” he concluded.
