How Green Climate Fund restores human dignity in Simiyu

SIMIYU: When the morning sun casts its golden rays over the vast plains of Simiyu Region, it shines on a community in transformation.

What was once a region marked by water scarcity, harsh climatic conditions and limited development is now experiencing a new dawn, thanks to the vision of Tanzania’s leadership and the unwavering support of international partners.

At the centre of this remarkable shift is the Green Climate Fund (GCF), whose commitment to climate resilience and human dignity is changing lives across Simiyu.

On June 19, 2025, Her Excellency President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan laid the foundation stone for the Simiyu Climate Resilient Water Supply Project, a historic move that signaled the start of one of Tanzania’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

With an overall value of approximately 440bn/-, this project is a symbol of global cooperation, national will and a shared commitment to addressing the realities of climate change.

The Green Climate Fund, the worlds largest climate finance mechanism, provided EUR 102.7 million to Phase I of the project. But this is far more than a financial contribution.

It is a message to the people of Simiyu and to Tanzania as a whole that the world sees them, hears their challenges and stands with them in the fight for water security and climate resilience.

The Simiyu Region, composed of five districts of Busega, Bariadi, Itilima, Maswa, and Meatu has long suffered from unreliable rainfall, droughts and the degradation of its natural water sources.

ALSO READ: Samia opens the water pipe, cotton plant in Simiyu

These challenges have impacted public health, agriculture, education and economic activity. Today, only around 75 percent of urban and 71 percent of rural communities in Simiyu have access to clean and safe water. This limited access has kept many families, especially in rural and remote areas in need of water service.

Phase I of the project, which began construction on November 25, 2023, is already making visible progress. Over 25 percent of the work has been completed. The project draws raw water from Lake Victoria, channels it through more than 460 kilometers of pipelines, and treats it in a modern facility with a daily capacity of 69.4 million litres.

Seven large reservoirs are under construction, and rural communities located up to 24 kilometers from the main pipeline are being connected. Once completed, Phase I will serve an estimated 495,000 people in the districts of Busega, Bariadi, and Itilima.

This is already a massive step forward, but the journey is not over.

What makes this project truly exceptional is the commitment already shown by the Green Climate Fund to support its future expansion.

Plans are being laid for Phase II, which will extend this life-changing infrastructure to the remaining two districts of Maswa and Meatu.

Their inclusion in the next phase is critical to achieving full coverage for the region and to ensuring that the benefits of climate-resilient infrastructure are equitably distributed.

Although Phase II is not yet underway, the readiness of GCF to continue supporting Tanzania in this effort sends a powerful message of continuity, long-term partnership and genuine concern for people on the frontlines of climate vulnerability.

The Government of Tanzania deeply appreciates this commitment, recognizing that such support brings not only resources but also confidence, dignity and hope to the people of Maswa and Meatu.

Alongside GCFs lead contribution, the project is also supported by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank (KfW), which has committed EUR 26.1 million.

Germany’s long-standing cooperation with Tanzania in water, energy and climate-related sectors continues to play a vital role.

The Government of Tanzania has also invested EUR 40.7 million in the project. These joint efforts illustrate the strength of coordinated development and the importance of shared responsibility.

Equally inspiring is the contribution made by the people of Simiyu, who have provided an in-kind contribution valued at EUR 1.5 million.

This gesture shows that the community is not just a beneficiary, but a true partner in development.

The projects impact extends far beyond physical infrastructure. It is changing the health landscape by reducing waterborne diseases.

It is helping children, particularly girls, stay in school instead of spending hours fetching water. It is reviving agriculture and food production, empowering women and boosting local economies.

It also supports Tanzania’s national targets under the CCM 20202025 Election Manifesto, which aims to ensure 85 percent of rural and 95 percent of urban residents have access to safe water by December 2025.

At the centre of this achievement is the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose diplomacy, strategic engagement and policy focus have brought this dream to life.

Her ability to align national priorities with international partnerships has been instrumental in ensuring not only funding, but also trust, from key institutions like GCF.

To the Green Climate Fund, the people of Simiyu, and indeed the whole nation of Tanzania, say thank you. Your vision, your commitment, and your trust in Tanzania’s climate resilience efforts have already transformed lives and promise to transform many more through the anticipated Phase II of the project.

To the Government of Germany, through KfW, Tanzania is grateful. Your continued partnership provides not just funds, but expertise and long-term support.

To the people of Maswa and Meatu, hope is on the horizon.

The plans for Phase II are a sign that you, too, will soon benefit from this groundbreaking project. Clean water, once a dream, is becoming a national guarantee.

As the sun rises again tomorrow over Simiyu, it will shine not just on pipes, pumps and tanks. But on the spirit of global cooperation, the strength of local leadership and the unwavering will of a people determined to shape their future. The story of Simiyu is no longer one of lack, it is one of promise.

And to the Green Climate Fund, as the project continues, one truth stands out: this is more than just a water system. It represents what the world can achieve when compassion meets dedication. The story of Simiyu is no longer one of hardship; it is now one of hope, resilience, and unstoppable momentum.

Denis Kiilu is senior communication officer at the Ministry of Water.