The Finance Minister of Tanzania, Khamis Mussa Omar, has officially launched the Joint Water Sector Review, calling on all stakeholders to work together to ensure every Tanzanian has access to clean and safe water.
Speaking at the Cate Convention Centre in Morogoro, Minister Omar said the water sector is a cornerstone of social and economic development.
He stressed that sustainable investment and effective management of water resources are vital for the country’s progress.
“The Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan values the contribution of the water sector and continues to partner with stakeholders to implement the Water Sector Development Programme (WSDP 2006–2026),” he said.
Minister Omar praised Jumaa Hamidu Aweso and the water sector team for achievements over the last 20 years. He highlighted that access to clean water in urban areas has risen from 74 percent in 2006 to 92.5 percent in 2025. Rural areas have seen a growth from 54 percent to 85.2 percent, exceeding the national target.
“These milestones are a testament to the government’s and partners’ dedication to improving water services for Tanzanians,” he noted.
Despite the progress, Minister Omar acknowledged challenges such as limited funding, climate change impacts, and delays in some rural water projects before the establishment of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA).
He cited the recent drought in the Ruvu River, which affected water supply in Dar es Salaam and Pwani Region, stressing the need to protect water sources and plant more trees.
He also pointed out that 1,575 villages still lack access to water services, and the government has plans to address these gaps.
Between January and December 2025, a total of TZS 883.93 billion (approximately USD 351 million) was mobilized for water and sanitation projects nationwide.
Minister Omar urged stakeholders to adopt innovative financing methods, increase private sector involvement, and focus on major projects like the National Water Grid, which will support economic growth and ensure reliable water services.
“The Joint Water Sector Review is a key platform to assess progress and plan new strategies aligned with Tanzania’s Vision 2050,” he said. “Collaboration is crucial to deliver large, impactful projects that benefit all citizens.”
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water, Mwajuma Juma Waziri, said the government will continue strengthening the sector to guarantee safe water access and support economic development.
highlighted that the meeting is part of World Water Week, leading to World Water Day on March 22. This year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” emphasizes gender equality in water management.
Engineer Waziri added that water supports key sectors such as health, agriculture, energy, industry, tourism, and transport.
Post-2026, the sector will prioritize water security, economic growth, increased investment, strategic dams, climate-resilient infrastructure, and expanded private sector participation.
The meeting brought together government officials, development partners, civil society, private sector representatives, and water experts from Tanzania and abroad to review achievements and chart the future course for the country’s water sector.
