The Ministry of Water is stepping up measures to protect critical water infrastructure from damage as Tanzania prepares for potentially heavy El Niño rains.
The move is intended to minimise disruptions to water supplies and ensure communities continue receiving reliable services during the rainy season.
Deputy Minister for Water Kundo Andrea Mathew said the ministry was working with water authorities and other stakeholders to identify vulnerable infrastructure and address risks before heavy rains cause damage.
She spoke on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after arriving in Morogoro at the start of a three-day official visit to the region.
Ms Kundo said authorities were conducting inspections and identifying areas that could be affected by flooding, landslides and other hazards linked to heavy rainfall.
“We are continuing to work with water authorities and other stakeholders to ensure water infrastructure is protected from the effects of heavy rains,” she said.
The deputy minister said early preparations were necessary because damage to water infrastructure could interrupt services and leave communities without reliable access to water.
She directed water authorities to closely monitor the condition of infrastructure and immediately report emerging problems to enable rapid intervention.
The measures include identifying high-risk areas, inspecting infrastructure and taking preventive action to reduce the likelihood of damage.
Ms Kundo also stressed the need for authorities in flood-prone areas to strengthen preparedness before heavy rains intensify.
She said protecting water infrastructure was part of broader government efforts to maintain uninterrupted water services and reduce avoidable disruptions caused by extreme weather.
The ministry's preparations come as authorities across the country step up measures to deal with potential impacts of El Niño, including flooding and landslides.
For communities, the condition of water infrastructure during heavy rains can directly affect access to clean and reliable water, particularly where pipelines, treatment facilities and other key installations are exposed to flooding or landslides.
Ms Kundo said water authorities should remain vigilant and ensure that any damage or emerging threat is communicated promptly so that corrective measures can be taken.