Tanzania Unveils Revised National Water Policy to Improve Water Resource Management
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Synopsis
On March 23, Tanzania launched its updated 2025 National Water Policy in Dar es Salaam, enhancing water availability and source protection. The policy promotes private sector involvement and emphasizes collective responsibility for water resource management while encouraging rainwater harvesting.
Key Takeaways
- Launch of the 2025 National Water Policy in Tanzania.
- Focus on enhancing water availability and protection of sources.
- Encouragement of private sector investment in water projects.
- Collective responsibility for water source protection.
- Promotion of rainwater harvesting practices.
Dar es Salaam, March 23 (NationPress) Tanzania has unveiled the 2025 edition of the National Water Policy, with the goal of improving water availability and enhancing the protection of water sources.
The revised policy, a successor to the 2002 edition, was introduced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the port city of Dar es Salaam on Saturday during the celebrations for World Water Day.
President Hassan stated that the updated national water policy promotes private sector involvement in funding water initiatives and fortifies the protection of water infrastructure to improve water access.
The president highlighted that safeguarding water sources is a collective duty, not just that of the Ministry of Water, and called for the establishment of a national water grid to manage water resources nationwide. She also urged citizens to adopt practices for rainwater harvesting to ensure resource availability during dry periods, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Nathan Belete, World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, commended Tanzania for the launch of its 2025 National Water Policy, noting that it aims to ensure efficient, reliable, sustainable, and equitable utilization of water resources for the benefit of all, in a cost-effective manner.
"The policy addresses challenges in water resource management, water quality in both rural and urban locales, as well as water supply and sanitation services, which are crucial for socio-economic development and water security in Tanzania, aligning with both national and international objectives," Belete stated.
He emphasized the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for enhancing poverty alleviation and economic advancement.
"Universal access to WASH significantly supports Tanzania's aspirations for improved educational and health outcomes, economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability, among other goals," added Belete.
