Minister Aweso acts tough on irresponsibility in the water sector

DODOMA: THE Minister of Ministry of Water Tanzania, Jumaa Aweso, has issued directives to officials in the water sector, emphasizing the need to deliver tangible services to Tanzanian citizens rather than relying on statements not backed by implementation.

Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma on May 5, 2026, while presenting the Ministry’s budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, Aweso stated that the government’s top priority is to ensure access to clean and safe water for all citizens.

“Tanzanians do not want empty talk; they want water. Let us go and work—our satisfaction is to see people receiving water services. I do not want to be a Minister of drought; I want to be a Minister of Water,” Aweso said, underscoring the need for accountability in the sector.

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He further directed all water sector officials to improve service delivery and eliminate practices that inconvenience citizens, particularly in areas facing persistent water supply challenges.

Additionally, he stressed that it is strictly prohibited for employees in the sector to impose unlawful charges on citizens, calling for discipline, accountability, and integrity to form the foundation of service delivery.

According to public service governance analysts, the statement reflects a broader shift toward strengthening service delivery governance, where transparency in billing and institutional accountability are critical factors in improving public trust and operational efficiency in the water sector in Tanzania.