EU commits Sh580 billion to boost water access in Mwanza

Mwanza. The European Union (EU), through its Green and Smart Cities SASA program, has pledged over Sh580 billion to fund the second phase of the Butimba Water Source and Treatment Plant project in Mwanza.

The initiative aims to significantly improve access to clean and safe water for residents of Mwanza City and its surrounding areas.

The announcement was made on April 9, 2025, by Marc Stalmans, Head of EU Cooperation in Tanzania, during a visit by a delegation of EU experts to assess the implementation of the project's first phase, which cost over Sh70 billion.

The first phase of the Butimba project, completed in December 2024, added 48 million liters per day to Mwanza Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority’s (Mwauwasa) production capacity, raising it to 138 million liters per day.

Prior to the upgrade, Mwauwasa’s only source—Capri Point—produced 90 million liters, falling short of the current daily demand of 172 million liters.

Speaking to journalists after the site tour, Mr. Stalmans praised the project’s progress and affirmed the EU’s readiness to support the next phase.

“The EU is very pleased with the progress made in implementing this project, carried out by the Government of Tanzania in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the French Development Agency (AFD), under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Improvement Program (LVWATSAN),” he said.

“Although production still falls short of demand, the quality of work has been commendable. I'm pleased to share that the EU has approved €200 million (approx. Sh580 billion) to fund the second phase of the project.”

Mr. Stalmans added that beyond expanding access to clean water, the project will also help reduce pollution in Lake Victoria, a key regional water resource.

Ms. Nelly Msuya, Acting Director of Mwauwasa, expressed gratitude to the EU for funding the first phase, noting that the upgrade has significantly reduced the city’s water deficit.

“We’ve reduced the daily water shortfall from 82 million liters to 34 million liters. With continued support and investment, we aim to eliminate this gap entirely,” she said.

She reaffirmed Mwauwasa’s commitment to working with partners to design and implement projects that further expand clean water access and enhance distribution systems.

Meanwhile, Joyce Sule, a resident of the Buhongwa area, called on Mwauwasa to address water losses caused by aging infrastructure, which struggles to meet the growing population’s needs.

On behalf of the Mwanza regional administration, Patrick Karangwa, Assistant Administrative Secretary for Industry, Trade, and Investment, said the EU’s investment would also support broader urban development goals under the Green and Smart Cities SASA program.

“This initiative will not only improve access to clean water but also upgrade market and fishing port infrastructure around Lake Victoria,” said Karangwa.

“Through the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) and Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA), the government will also roll out training programs to equip youth with practical skills for self-employment and job creation.”