Africa-Press – Tanzania. The over 1.3tri/- International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s relief package dished out to Tanzania has further raised hopes of improving the country’s water sector for mitigating effects of the Covid-19.
Some analysts and women rights activists who spoke to the Daily News yesterday welcomed the new development after President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the nine-month socio-economic response plan on Sunday.
At the launching of the Tanzania Covid-19 socio-economic Relief Plan (TCRP) under IMF funding, Finance and Planning Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba revealed that the water sector has secured 46.2bn/- for executing water projects in the urban and 55.5bn/- in rural areas.
Among areas include procurement of 25 water wells drilling vehicles for each regional water authority, five machines for drilling water in drought areas and four underground water detectors.
The analysts have described the decision to execute various projects as ‘appealing’ and will enhance the country’s sustainable development agenda.
University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) lecturer in economics, Prof Humphrey Moshi, lauded the government for securing the funds and setting its own modalities for spending the money.
“The fact that the government has succeeded in negotiating ways in which the funds will be utilized is even more appealing for the development of the country,” said Prof Moshi.
He pointed out that executing the plan will enable the country to generate enough, clean and reliable water supply for people’s use hence controlling the rampant disease outbreaks such cholera due to poor hygiene.
The lecturer also noted that lack or shortage of water is among major problems affecting most Tanzanians as the problem retards socio-economic development.
He said bringing the crucial service closer to the people will significantly contribute in improving people’s well-being and the country’s economic growth.
Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA)-Zanzibar Director, Dr Mzuri Issa, was of the view that the executed water projects will be a huge relief to most of the women in the country simply because they are the ones who suffer the most in search of the precious liquid.
“Issues related to water are considered to be women’s matters, therefore implementing the projects will indeed bring major relief to women of this country,” noted Dr Mzuri.
An economist-cum-investment banker, Dr Hildebrand Shayo, disclosed that the amount of money will help improve water infrastructure, enabling Tanzania to achieve goal number 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals that require nations to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
The country’s Third Five Year National Development Plan (FYDP III) considers water and sanitation as key ingredients for human development.
“This sector involves the availability and distribution of water and the protection of water sources and resource environment.
“In this regard, this Plan focuses on improving the availability and supply of water as well as sanitation services in urban and rural areas, and protection of water sources and resource environment,” stated the FYDP III.
As part of its Vision 2025, the government has pledged to increase access to improved sanitation to 95 per cent by 2025.
“In this regard the IMF credit facility will help the country execute its plans of further strengthening supply infrastructures for clean and safe water as well as improving urban water services coverage from 84 percent in 2020 to 95 percent in 2025.
