Water access expanded amid rising cholera risk

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR authorities have intensified efforts to expand access to clean and safe water as the risk of cholera increases during the ongoing rainy season.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals, Mr Joseph Kilangi, said the government is accelerating water infrastructure projects to address long-standing service gaps.

Speaking after inspecting projects in the Urban West Region, Mr Kilangi said the India EXIM-funded initiative aims to ensure reliable water supply to all communities. He warned that the rainy season often triggers outbreaks of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera, due to limited access to safe water.

“Cholera outbreaks are linked to several factors, including inadequate access to clean and safe water,” he said.

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He noted that areas such as Kilimahewa have already reported cases, highlighting the urgency of completing ongoing projects.

Mr Kilangi also pointed out that road construction has disrupted water systems in several areas, leaving many households without supply. The government has since allocated funds and equipment to support the Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA) in restoring services.

“We are supporting the water authority to ensure new pipelines are installed in affected areas,” he said.

He further directed ZAWA to rehabilitate water wells, noting that five have already been restored to improve supply. Local leaders, including Shehas and councillors, were urged to safeguard water sources to ensure sustainability.

Despite existing challenges, Mr Kilangi called for patience as improvements continue and encouraged wananchi to pay user fees to sustain services. Rand Water Zanzibar Project Manager, Ms Shoumbanah Saleh Mohamed, said the project aims to restore long-disrupted water services.

Meanwhile, Kijitoupele Ward Councillor, Mr Saleh Yahya Saleh, pledged community support in protecting infrastructure and cautioned against construction near water sources.

The inspection covered Kilimahewa, Bumbwisudi, Mtoni and Kidutani Kwarara, where implementation is underway. Once completed, the project is expected to connect hundreds of households, benefiting 430 residents in Bumbwisudi, 286 in Kilimahewa and 756 in Kidutani Kwarara.