By Business Insider Correspondent, Simiyu
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has laid the foundation stone for a flagship Tsh 440 billion Climate Change Adaptation Project in Nyashimo, Simiyu Region, marking a pivotal moment in Tanzania’s response to climate-related challenges in water, agriculture, and environmental health.
The project, implemented by the government in collaboration with the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank and the National Climate Change Adaptation Fund, is expected to revolutionise water access, boost sanitation, and increase community resilience to climate change in the Lake Zone.
At the heart of the project is the goal to deliver 74.6 million litres of clean water daily sourced from Lake Victoria, serving both urban and rural communities across Busega, Bariadi, and Itilima in phase one, with future phases extending to Maswa and Meatu.
President Samia called the initiative a “transformational response” to the pressing issue of water scarcity in Simiyu and beyond, noting that access to water is not only vital for daily life but is also foundational to public health, education, and food security.
“This project will change lives – it will ensure clean water flows into schools, markets, and homes, while helping our communities adapt to the realities of climate change,” she told residents during her regional tour.
Ecosystem restoration
The initiative also includes a strong agricultural and environmental component, with the establishment of 212 climate-smart demonstration farms, the rehabilitation of 14 irrigation schemes, and the upgrading of 11 dams and 300 water diversions.
These are designed to help farmers adapt to erratic weather patterns and safeguard food production.
Tree planting and natural vegetation restoration are embedded in the project to combat deforestation and land degradation – issues that have compounded the region’s climate vulnerability.
Germany’s Deputy Ambassador to Tanzania, Manuel Müller, praised the scale and ambition of the project, saying it will “directly improve health outcomes” and serve as a model for sustainable climate investment in East Africa.
“This is not just infrastructure – it is about dignity, equity, and resilience,” he said.
Economic and policy impacts
President Samia also used the occasion to rally local leaders to improve domestic revenue mobilisation, highlighting that the bulk of the funding for national development now comes from within.
“Most of our ongoing projects are funded through local resources, and we thank our partners like Germany for standing with us. Let’s continue boosting revenue to ensure we leave no region behind,” she added.
Water Minister, Jumaa Aweso, reported that urban water coverage has already reached 91.6%, with rural coverage at 83%, both approaching their 2025 targets.
Permanent Secretary Eng. Mwajuma Waziri outlined the project’s five pillars as institutional and capacity development, clean and safe water supply, climate-resilient agriculture, sanitation and wastewater management and technical training for water sector professionals. She noted the project is designed to offer lasting resilience against climate shocks, positioning Simiyu as a flagship region in Tanzania’s national adaptation strategy.
