Govt urges private sector to boost investment in water sector

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has called on the private sector to increase investment in the water sector, saying sustained collaboration is essential in addressing existing challenges and advancing Tanzania’s long-term development goals under Vision 2050.

Deputy Minister for Water, Kundo Mathew, made the appeal over the weekend in Dar es Salaam during the conference on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the water sector, which brought together stakeholders to explore ways of improving access to safe and reliable water services across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Eng Mathew said the ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has developed a private sector engagement strategy aimed at building a strong framework for cooperation in the implementation and management of water infrastructure projects.

He said the government views the water sector as a critical pillar in the implementation of Tanzania Development Vision 2050, noting that water is not only a basic human necessity but also a strategic resource that supports agriculture, industry and broader economic transformation.

“We are inviting investors to partner with us in investing in the water sector, which offers both economic and social benefits and contributes directly to building a competitive, resilient and prosperous Tanzania by 2050,” he said.

He added that achieving Vision 2050 requires the water sector to be fully integrated into the national economic transformation agenda, with Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) serving as a key mechanism for attracting investment, improving efficiency and accelerating service delivery.

He further noted that, given the huge financing needs for water infrastructure and sanitation services, the government has established an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment to encourage private sector participation.

“We still have a huge task ahead of us, and if we continue depending solely on central government funds, we will merely be daydreaming. If we are truly committed, we must open up some systems so that we can build a shared understanding,” he emphasised.

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Mathew said all stakeholders must work together to translate the vision into reality, stressing that the PPP framework provides an important opportunity to strengthen sustainable systems in the sector.

In a separate presentation, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment, Mr Jackson Kiswaga, said the sector continues to face major challenges despite ongoing investments.

He said rapid population growth and climate change are worsening water scarcity by drying up water sources, increasing the need for large-scale investment in infrastructure.

“We urge the private sector to invest and work closely with the government in addressing these emerging challenges collectively,” Mr Kiswaga said.

Meanwhile, Director of the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), Mr David Kafulila, said the decision to hold regular forums is aimed at deepening dialogue and gathering wider stakeholder input to support government efforts in improving service delivery.

He said the PPP approach in the water sector focuses on mobilising capital for infrastructure development, introducing modern technology and improving management efficiency to reduce water losses and shortages.