By Benny Mwaipaja, Morogoro
Tanzania is ramping up efforts to strengthen its water sector as a cornerstone of economic and social development, with the government calling for increased investment, innovation and stakeholder collaboration to sustain recent gains.
Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar officially opened the Joint Water Sector Review in Morogoro, emphasising that reliable access to clean and safe water remains critical for the country’s long-term growth.
Speaking at the meeting held at Cate Convention Centre, Minister Omar said the water sector is a key driver of development, underpinning health, agriculture, industry and overall productivity.
Two decades of progress under water programme
The review comes as Tanzania nears the conclusion of the Water Sector Development Programme, a 20-year initiative that has significantly expanded water access across the country.
According to the minister, access to clean water in urban areas has increased from 74 percent in 2006 to 92.5 percent in 2025, while rural access has risen from 54 percent to 85.2 percent, surpassing initial targets.
“These are remarkable achievements that reflect the commitment of the government and its partners in improving water services nationwide,” Omar said.
The progress has been driven by sustained public investment, donor support and institutional reforms, including the establishment of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) to oversee rural water projects.
Persistent challenges threaten sustainability
Despite the gains, the sector continues to face significant challenges. These include financing gaps, climate change impacts and inefficiencies in earlier project implementation – particularly in rural areas before institutional reforms were introduced.
Miniter Omar cited recent drought conditions that reduced water flows in the Ruvu River, affecting supply in Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region, as a stark reminder of the sector’s vulnerability to climate variability.
In addition, about 1,575 villages still lack access to water services, highlighting the need for continued investment and targeted interventions.
Financing and private sector role
Between January and December 2025, the government mobilised approximately TSh 883.93 billion (about US$ 351 million) for water and sanitation projects. However, officials acknowledge that future demands – particularly for large-scale infrastructure – will require new financing models.
The Minister called for greater private sector participation, innovative financing mechanisms and accelerated implementation of strategic projects such as the proposed National Water Grid, which aims to improve water distribution and resilience across regions.
Aligning with Dira 2050
The water sector review is also laying the groundwork for the next phase of development aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Mwajuma Waziri, said the post-2026 strategy will focus on water security, climate-resilient infrastructure and leveraging water resources for economic growth.
Priority areas include implementation of a national water master plan, construction of strategic dams, expansion of sanitation services and strengthening infrastructure capable of withstanding climate change.
Water at the centre of economic transformation
Officials emphasised that water is not only a social service but also a critical economic asset, supporting key sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing and tourism.
The review coincides with activities marking World Water Day, with this year’s theme focusing on “Water and Gender”, highlighting the role of inclusive management in achieving sustainable outcomes.
As Tanzania transitions to a new phase of water sector development, the government is betting on stronger partnerships and strategic investments to ensure universal access while supporting broader economic transformation. The Joint Water Sector Review has brought together government leaders, development partners, private sector actors and civil society, signalling a coordinated push to secure one of the country’s most vital resources for future growth.
