Samia inaugurates Butimba Water source for 450,000 Mwanza residents

MWANZA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged citizens to take responsibility for sustaining major water infrastructure projects being launched across the country by paying their water bills on time.

Speaking on Thursday in Mwanza after inaugurating the modern Butimba water source in Nyamagana District, the Head of State emphasized that while the government is investing heavily in water projects, their long-term success depends on consistent revenue through user payments.

“This water infrastructure is expensive and requires sustainable maintenance. Those managing these projects need adequate funds to carry out timely repairs and ensure uninterrupted supply. I urge all water users to pay their bills. While I caution water officials against inflating charges, legitimate bills must be paid,” said President Samia.

She thanked development partners who have supported the government with grants and concessional loans to implement the projects, naming among them, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), GIZ, and KfW among the key contributors.

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President Samia also urged citizens to take ownership of the projects by protecting them, and emphasized the need to preserve Lake Victoria as a critical and sustainable water source.

In a broader message, President Samia called for continued peace and political stability in Tanzania, saying national development hinges on a secure and united country.

“Let us all protect the good reputation of our country. Tanzania is safe — and we must all ensure it remains so,” she stressed.

The Butimba water project, implemented by the government in partnership with EIB, AFD, and the EU, is expected to benefit more than 450,000 residents.

Areas served include Nyegezi, Mkolani, Buhongwa, Nyamazobe, Nyahingi, Buganda, Luchelele, Lwanhima, Sahwa, Fumagila, Kishiri, and Igoma within Mwanza City, as well as Kisesa, Bujora, and Kanyama in Magu District.

According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Eng. Mwajuma Waziri, the water treatment plant has a capacity to process 48 million liters per day. The current project is part of the first phase of the broader water infrastructure program.