MOROGORO: Tanzania is intensifying efforts to secure water resources and expand access, with Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi calling for stronger protection of water sources and increased investment to meet rising demand.
Speaking at the close of the country’s 2026 Water Week, Nchimbi said safeguarding water resources was essential to addressing shortages and ensuring long-term sustainability, particularly as population growth and urbanisation put pressure on supply.
“We must prioritise the protection, conservation and expansion of water sources as we implement long-term development goals,” he said, highlighting the planned national water grid as a key project to improve distribution nationwide.
The government is pursuing broader reforms in the water sector under its development agenda, including improving infrastructure, reducing system losses and strengthening coordination among public institutions.
Nchimbi said access to clean water had expanded significantly, with official figures showing coverage reaching more than 85% in rural areas and over 92% in urban centres. More than 10,700 villages are now connected to water services, though gaps remain in some areas.
He urged authorities to improve wastewater management to prevent contamination and called for wider installation of water metres to enhance efficiency and accountability in usage.
The Vice-President also encouraged water utilities to diversify financing, pointing to local bond initiatives as a potential model to support investment in infrastructure.
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Tanzania’s water demand is expected to rise sharply as the population grows and cities expand. Government projections estimate the population could reach about 118 million by 2050, with more than half living in urban areas.
Officials say reliable water supply will be critical to meeting broader economic targets, including industrial growth and improved living standards.
Nchimbi noted that water scarcity continues to disproportionately affect women and girls, who often bear the burden of collecting water in underserved areas, sometimes facing safety risks.
The theme of this year’s World Water Day, “Water and Gender Equality,” underscores the need for inclusive planning and shared responsibility in water management, he said.
Water Minister Jumaa Aweso said the government remains committed to expanding access to safe and reliable water services across both rural and urban communities.