Govt orders climate-proof sanitation infrastructure
DODOMA: THE government has directed all institutions responsible for sanitation and environmental management to climate-proof future sanitation infrastructure, warning that poor waste management and inadequate planning are worsening floods, pollution and public health risks.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, issued the directive in Dodoma yesterday while opening the Second National Sanitation Forum.
He said sanitation projects must be designed to withstand climate change by taking into account flood-prone areas, protection of water sources and public health while safeguarding the environment.
“Environmental sanitation plans must be climate-resilient. Infrastructure should be developed according to the characteristics of each area, while protecting water sources and ensuring public health and environmental conservation,” Prof Kabudi said.
The minister also rebuked the growing practice of dumping waste into drainage channels, saying many people mistakenly believe rainwater will wash it away, yet the habit blocks drainage systems, increases flooding and pollutes the environment.
“We must stop using drainage channels as dumping sites. Such practices undermine sanitation efforts and expose communities to serious environmental and health risks,” he stressed.
Prof Kabudi said Tanzania continues to face increasing challenges arising from climate change, including floods, droughts, unplanned settlements and environmental degradation, all of which threaten access to safe sanitation services.
He warned that poorly managed wastewater systems and dumpsites pose serious dangers to both human health and the environment if they are not properly planned and maintained.
The minister urged public institutions, local authorities, development partners and the private sector to develop sanitation projects backed by reliable data, realistic budgets and measurable long-term benefits.
He also called for a coordinated national strategy to rehabilitate drainage systems and improve waste disposal facilities, particularly ahead of the rainy season.
Prof Kabudi stressed that environmental protection and conservation of water sources are fundamental to sustainable development, saying investment in sanitation is ultimately an investment in the health and well-being of Tanzanians.
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He further directed authorities to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws and policies while encouraging citizens to actively participate in environmental conservation to ensure future generations inherit a clean and safe environment.
The minister also underscored the need to improve sanitation facilities in markets and other public gathering places by providing adequate toilets and reliable handwashing facilities with running water.
The forum also witnessed the launch of the National Integrated Sanitation Services Guidelines, which provide a common framework for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating sanitation services nationwide.
Prof Kabudi instructed all implementing institutions to integrate the guidelines into planning, budgeting, project design, implementation and monitoring instead of leaving them unused.
“The success of these guidelines will be measured by tangible improvements in sanitation services delivered to citizens,” he said.
He said the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan will continue prioritising sanitation as part of efforts to protect public health, improve living standards and promote sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) Director of Finance, Mr Stanley Mahembe, speaking on behalf of the Director General, said only 24 out of 84 water and sanitation authorities currently have wastewater and faecal sludge treatment infrastructure.
He said seven authorities are constructing such facilities while 12 others are preparing sites for investment, leaving 41 authorities almost half of the country’s utilities without the necessary infrastructure.
“This demonstrates that significant investment is still required. Integrated sanitation services demand effective regulation, accurate data, sustained investment and accountability,” Mr Mahembe said.
He pledged that EWURA would continue working with the Ministry of Water and other stakeholders to strengthen regulation and accelerate investment in wastewater and faecal sludge management to improve environmental cleanliness and public health.
