Government pledges reliable access to clean and safe water for all

By Our Correspondent, Dodoma

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every Tanzanian has access to clean and safe water, even amid growing challenges caused by climate change.

Minister for Water, Juma Aweso, spoke to journalists in Dodoma today about the Ministry’s work to implement the Sixth Phase Government’s Second-Term pledges under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as promised during election campaigns.

Minister Aweso noted that environmental degradation and changing human activities have caused climate-related challenges, including rivers drying up and unexpected floods phenomena previously uncommon in Tanzania.

“Climate change is real, but it is largely driven by human actions. Environmental destruction has led to rivers drying and floods occurring in places where they were never seen before,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Water must respond to these changes while prioritizing solutions that meet citizens’ needs. 

He acknowledged that large-scale water projects require substantial investment but stressed that delivering reliable water services is a top priority.

“I may not focus on the costs alone, but I will ensure Tanzanians have access to clean and safe water,” Minister Aweso affirmed.

The Government’s continued investment in water infrastructure demonstrates its determination to mitigate the effects of climate change while safeguarding public health, supporting economic growth, and improving citizens’ daily lives.

Minister Aweso also underscored professionalism and accountability within the Ministry, calling on staff to deliver measurable results that benefit communities directly.

“There are areas where citizens face unnecessary delays in getting water connections. We do not want that. Any request for a water connection should be completed within seven days,” he said.

The Government’s efforts highlight its broader commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening resilience to environmental challenges, and ensuring that access to clean water remains a fundamental right for all Tanzanians.