Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has called on government institutions and the private sector to strengthen collaboration in addressing challenges facing the country’s water sector, saying joint efforts are essential to ensure sustainable access to clean and safe water for Tanzanians.
Dr Nchimbi made the call in Morogoro while officiating the national climax of Water Week and the commemoration of World Water Day, where he also launched a river water forecasting system designed to improve the management of water resources in the country.
The Vice President said the protection and conservation of water sources should remain a priority for all stakeholders, including development partners, in order to support the government’s broader goal of expanding water access and reducing the burden on women who traditionally bear the responsibility of fetching water for their families.
He said this year’s theme for World Water Day, “Water and Gender,” reflects the reality that women remain the most affected by water shortages and related challenges.
“Women carry a significant responsibility when it comes to water. In many households they are the ones who search for water day and night while also taking care of their families,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi noted that globally about five percent of economic losses—estimated at nearly $170 billion—are linked to the lack of adequate water services and related challenges.
Providing an update on progress made in expanding water access, he said that 10,758 villages across Tanzania have already been reached with clean and safe water services, while about 1,575 villages are yet to be served.
He added that the government has already developed strategies to ensure the remaining villages are connected.
He said the implementation of the National Water Policy of 2022 has contributed to major improvements in water access, with 92.5 percent of urban residents and 85.2 percent of rural residents currently accessing clean and safe water.
Dr Nchimbi warned, however, that future demand for water will increase as Tanzania’s population continues to grow.
According to projections in the national development vision, the country’s population could reach about 118 million by 2050, with a significant proportion living in urban areas.
He said such population growth will place additional pressure on services such as education, food supply, healthcare, employment and especially water resources.
“It is therefore essential to protect and conserve water sources while ensuring that investments in the water sector align with the country’s development vision,” he said.
The Vice President also highlighted the government’s plan to implement a national water grid and introduce smart water meters to enhance efficiency, improve accountability among users and reduce water losses.
He further stressed the need to develop additional revenue sources within the water sector to strengthen investment in infrastructure and environmental sanitation systems, including the proper management of wastewater to prevent contamination of clean water supplies.
Earlier, Dr Nchimbi visited Mindu Dam, the main water source supplying more than 75 percent of Morogoro Municipality residents, where he launched the river water forecasting system and planted a tree as part of environmental conservation efforts.
Director of the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board, Mr Eibariki Mmasi, said the new system will enable authorities to predict water levels in rivers from ten days up to three months in advance, helping decision-makers take timely measures in response to climate change and other environmental factors.
He said the system will also improve access to reliable data on water levels, enabling better planning and management of water resources.
Water Minister Jumaa Aweso assured the public that his ministry will intensify efforts to ensure water services reach all Tanzanians.
“In the water sector the President wants results, the Vice President wants results and the Prime Minister wants results. As leaders of this ministry we promise to deliver and ensure that we are not an obstacle to the provision of water services,” he said.
Representing the private sector, engineer Ngwisa Mpembe said companies are ready to continue partnering with the government to improve water infrastructure and services.
He said the private sector has already invested more than Sh1.2 trillion in the water sector, including establishing factories producing water pipes, construction materials and smart water meters.
Mr Mpembe said further investments are planned in technology, human resources development and local expertise to strengthen the country’s water supply systems.
He pledged continued cooperation with the government in innovation, infrastructure development, environmental protection and financing initiatives aimed at ensuring reliable water access for all Tanzanians.
Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Hassan Zungu said Parliament will continue to support government initiatives aimed at improving water services across the country.
He said ongoing efforts by the government offer hope that water challenges facing many communities will gradually be resolved.
Mr Zungu also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for implementing the long-awaited Kidunda Dam Project, noting that discussions about the project date back to 1954 and that its implementation marks a major milestone in strengthening water security in the country.
