Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Zanzibar government has signed a landmark agreement with NIRAS International Consulting to develop a comprehensive Water Master Plan aimed at improving water supply, resource management and sanitation services across the islands.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals headquarters in Maisara, Unguja, recently seeks to address long-standing challenges in the water sector, including inadequate supply, inefficient distribution systems and limited access to clean and safe water.
Deputy Minister for Water, Energy and Minerals, Seif Kombo Pandu, said the initiative is a long-awaited solution that will transform water service delivery in Zanzibar.
He noted that the plan will help reduce frequent breakdowns in major pipelines and improve reliability by mapping all water infrastructure using modern systems.
“I am confident this plan will help identify new water sources, increase availability across our islands and establish strong strategies for protecting and conserving these resources,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that the master plan will serve as a long-term roadmap to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable water services, while strengthening water resource management and sanitation systems.
Permanent Secretary, Joseph Kilangi, said Zanzibar has never had a comprehensive water sector master plan, a gap that has contributed to persistent challenges such as water shortages, poor distribution networks and unreliable services.
“Without a clear master plan, it has been difficult to establish sustainable strategies and accurately assess the sector’s needs,” he said.
He added that the initiative will help address pressures from population growth, climate change and rising demand for water services.
Mr Kilangi stressed that the project’s success will depend on strong collaboration among stakeholders, including government institutions, experts, communities and development partners. The €1.4 million (4.2bn/- ) project, funded through a grant from KfW Development Bank, is expected to be implemented over a oneyear period.
He said the government’s decision to partner with NIRAS reflects confidence in the firm’s expertise, noting that the company has successfully implemented similar projects in other countries. Representing NIRAS in Tanzania, Adelaide Kisinda, assured that the company will work closely with the ministry and other government institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the plan.
She said the trust shown by the Zanzibar government will motivate the firm to execute the project professionally and in line with agreed standards. Pandu further stressed that the project is intended to benefit all Zanzibaris in both Unguja and Pemba, including rural communities that have long struggled with access to clean water.
“This is our project as Zanzibaris. It will help eliminate the challenges of accessing clean and safe water services, even in rural areas,” he said. Once completed, the Water Master Plan is expected to lay the foundation for improved water service delivery, enhanced environmental sanitation, and sustainable management of water.
