Summary
Tanzania aims to ensure at least 90 percent of households nationwide have access to clean and safe water by 2030.
DODOMA: THE government is considering engaging private sector stakeholders to contribute to water service delivery, aiming to achieve the sector’s 2030 targets.
Tanzania aims to ensure at least 90 percent of households nationwide have access to clean and safe water by 2030, with a particular focus on rural areas.
This goal is backed by the $15 billion National Water Investment Programme (TanWIP) 2024–2030, designed to enhance water security and promote sustainable water management.
Speaking at the opening of the First Annual General Meeting of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) and Community-Based Water Service Organizations (CBWSOs) in Dodoma, Minister Jumaa Aweso emphasized the need to involve the private sector to realize the 2030 vision.
Minister Jumaa Aweso
He stated that this planned partnership would improve citizens’ access to water services and address the severe water shortages currently affecting many areas.
Minister Aweso noted that now is an opportune time for the private sector to invest in water—similar to investments made in other sectors—to support government efforts in extending water services to all villages by 2030.
“It is now time for the private sector to provide water services, and the government will ensure oversight of safety and pricing,” he said.
He added that the ministry is exploring all possible approaches to ensure water reaches all 1,575 villages currently without access.
“We aim for all areas to have uninterrupted water access by the time President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan completes her term in 2030,” he stated.
In a separate address, Minister Aweso urged RUWASA to closely monitor more than 3,000 ongoing water projects across the country, for which the government has allocated substantial funds.
He expressed confidence that once completed, these projects would significantly improve water access in rural areas.
“Currently, water service coverage in villages stands at 85.2 percent and the government continues to implement various projects to ensure all areas are reached without obstacles,” he added.
He also mentioned that the government is accelerating the installation of “prepaid water meters” to reduce wastage and increase revenue collection.
Minister Aweso observed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured considerable funding for various projects, and it is the duty of every public servant to work diligently and patriotically to ensure these initiatives achieve their intended impact.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, called on CBWSOs to resolve all issues preventing villagers from accessing water without valid reasons.
“I urge you to address the challenges in your respective areas to solve existing problems. In some places, leaks go unattended for weeks, while in others, people go without water for up to two months due to pump failures or power outages. Please take action so that communities can continue to access water services,” she emphasized.
