Tanzania and Germany have signed a new development agreement worth Euro 20 million (about TZS 60.7 billion) to improve access to clean water and sanitation services in Tunduma and Vwawa-Mlowo towns in Songwe Region.
The agreement aims to strengthen water supply systems, expand coverage, and improve wastewater management in fast-growing urban areas where demand for clean water continues to rise.
The signing ceremony took place in Dodoma at Treasury Square, Kambarage Hall, bringing together senior government officials and development partners.
On behalf of the Government of Tanzania, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Paymaster General, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba, signed the agreement.
Germany was represented by the Country Director of the German Development Bank, KfW in Tanzania, Ms. Vanessa Eidt.
Dr. Mwamba said the project is part of ongoing efforts to ensure Tanzanians in growing towns have reliable access to safe and clean water.
He said the investment will support expansion of water distribution networks, increased customer connections, and improved wastewater treatment systems.
He added that the project will also involve construction of sanitation infrastructure in public institutions, including toilets in selected schools, as well as the purchase of vacuum trucks to improve sewage management services.
According to him, the initiative is expected to improve public health, reduce waterborne diseases, and support better environmental sanitation in the beneficiary areas.
Dr. Mwamba expressed appreciation to the Government of Germany for its continued support, noting that the partnership has contributed significantly to Tanzania’s development in key sectors including water, health, environment, public financial management, and gender equality.
He said the project aligns with Tanzania’s national development priorities and long-term strategies, including the country’s development vision and five-year development plans, as well as Vision 2050 under the leadership of Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with development partners to ensure citizens benefit directly from major infrastructure investments.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, said the project comes at a critical time when rapid urban growth and climate change are putting pressure on water resources.
She said the investment will help improve efficiency in water management, strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure, and ensure more reliable water supply services to communities.
Engineer Waziri assured that the Ministry will closely supervise implementation of the project to ensure it is completed on time, with transparency and efficiency, so that citizens can receive the intended benefits.
On their part, Germany’s Deputy Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr. Manuel Muller, and KfW Country Director Ms. Vanessa Eidt reaffirmed Germany’s strong commitment to supporting Tanzania’s development agenda.
They said Germany remains one of Tanzania’s key development partners, with ongoing projects worth more than Euro 400 million across various sectors.
They noted that the water sector continues to be a top priority, followed by environmental conservation, reflecting a shared commitment to improving living standards and ensuring sustainable development.
Both sides expressed confidence that the project will deliver lasting benefits to residents of Tunduma and Vwawa-Mlowo, particularly in improving access to safe water, better sanitation, and overall quality of life.
