By Business Insider Reporter
Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has marked a major milestone in its community investment drive with the commissioning of its 30th rural water project, a move set to deliver clean and safe water to more than 15,000 residents in Baray Ward, Karatu District.
The project – one of the largest single water investments in the company’s history – was officially inaugurated on April 30, 2026, by Deputy Minister for Water, Kundo Mathew, highlighting the expanding role of public-private partnerships in advancing Tanzania’s water access agenda
Constructed at a cost of TSh 344 million and fully funded by SBL, the Baray scheme in Arusha Region has an annual capacity of over 110,632 cubic metres. It was implemented in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) and the Africa Community Advancement Initiative (Africai), ensuring both technical quality and long-term sustainability through community ownership.
The Baray project is part of a broader portfolio of three water schemes completed by SBL in 2026, alongside projects in Kambi ya Simba (Karatu) and Ihushi (Mwanza). Collectively, these mega corporate social investment CSI) initiatives represent an investment of TSh 655 million, benefiting over 23,000 people and delivering nearly 170,000 cubic metres of water annually.
Over the past decade, SBL has invested approximately TSh 2.5 billion in rural water infrastructure, reaching more than 2.3 million Tanzanians through its flagship “Water for Life” programme.
The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s National Water Policy, which emphasizes community participation in the planning, management, and sustainability of water projects.
Speaking at the commissioning, Eng. Mathew commended SBL’s sustained commitment, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient to meet the country’s growing water demand.
“The Government continues to ensure that citizens have access to clean and safe water, but these efforts require collaboration from various stakeholders. We highly appreciate the contribution of the private sector,” he said.
SBL Managing Director Obinna Anyalebechi said the milestone reflects the company’s long-term vision of contributing to national development.
“Thirty water projects is not just a number – it represents communities transformed. Girls can now attend school instead of walking long distances for water, mothers can pursue economic activities, and health facilities can operate safely,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, the project integrates social empowerment through a Women in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme, delivered in partnership with Africai. The initiative has trained 30 women in technical maintenance, entrepreneurship, and leadership, reinforcing the link between water access and economic inclusion.
Africai Director Bonus Caesar emphasized the importance of sustainability, noting that community-led management will ensure long-term impact.
The Baray project also supports Tanzania’s new Development Vision 2050 targets, which aim to expand rural access to clean water to at least 85 percent. For SBL, the investment reflects a broader commitment that extends beyond tax contributions to tangible improvements in livelihoods, agriculture, and community resilience. Local leaders and residents welcomed the project, pledging to safeguard the infrastructure for future generations – a testament to the enduring impact of collaborative development efforts.
