Ensure safe water access, water stakeholders told

KILIMANJARO: WATER stakeholders, including those from the private sector, particularly those involved in groundwater projects, have been urged to work closely with relevant government authorities to ensure that water from various projects is clean and safe for consumption.

The call was made recently by Moshi District Commissioner, Mr Godfrey Mnzava, during a water stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Pangani Basin Water Board (PBWB) held in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

“This collaboration includes ensuring that anyone planning to undertake water projects obtains the necessary permits from the appropriate authorities before implementation,” he emphasised. He added, “For those intending to drill wells, the PBWB is the relevant authority.

By working with the board, its experts will assess activities according to existing regulations to guarantee the safety of the water being extracted.” Mr Mnzava stressed that poor water quality is a major contributor to health problems and urged all individuals and organisations planning water projects to collaborate with the PBWB to ensure access to clean and safe water.

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He further assured participants that the district government remains committed to working with all water stakeholders, including private sector actors, to safeguard water resources.

“Water is a fundamental human right. Its scarcity has severe implications for hygiene. This is why the Sixth-Phase Government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is making significant investments in water projects across the country,” he noted.

On his part, PBWB Director, Mr Segule Segule, said the board has implemented various strategies, including inter-agency cooperation, to ensure that groundwater, especially that intended for human consumption, is safe.

“Groundwater is a valuable and reliable source of water because it remains available year-round, even when other sources dry up,” he explained.

He added, “Investments in groundwater have yielded positive results in recent years. Since boreholes are the primary infrastructure for groundwater access, I urge all potential investors to engage with PBWB to enhance the success of their projects.” Commenting on the meeting, Mr Segule said it brought together stakeholders involved in groundwater projects and was part of a broader series of stakeholder engagements by the board aimed at ensuring that all water meant for consumption meets safety and quality standards.