Israel offers assistance in desalination efforts to combat water shortages in Tanzania

Arusha. Israel has expressed its willingness to assist Tanzania in desalinating Indian Ocean waters to meet growing human, domestic, and industrial needs, particularly in coastal areas such as Tanga and Dar es Salaam.

This initiative aims to address both current and future water shortages faced by the country.

The message was delivered by Mr Michael Lotem, Israel's envoy to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Seychelles, who oversees Tanzanian diplomatic matters.

Mr Lotem said that over 70 percent of Israel's water supply comes from the Mediterranean Sea, processed through advanced desalination techniques.

He emphasized the importance of recycling sewage water to mitigate waste, which is then utilized for irrigation projects to boost food production.

Israel's innovative approach includes plans to replenish the inland Sea of Galilee with desalinated water, marking a pioneering effort in global water management.

"This is an area where Israel can collaborate with Tanzania to tackle water issues, particularly in Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and other urban centers along the Indian Ocean coastline," Lotem noted.

The Tanzanian coastline spans over 1,300 kilometers, making it vital for water resource development.

Environmental experts warn that, due to climate change, Tanzania is poised to face significant water shortages in the coming years.

Recently addressing the National Assembly in Dodoma, Minister of Water Jumaa Aweso revealed that current water demand is estimated at 64 billion cubic meters.

Experts project that by 2035, this demand could surge to 80.2 billion cubic meters, coinciding with the country’s rapidly growing population.

Currently, Tanzania has a water allocation of 2,105 cubic meters per capita, derived from an annual production of 126 billion cubic meters, serving a population of approximately 59.8 million.

However, water production is declining due to population growth and increasing drought conditions affecting East Africa.

By 2035, per capita water allocation is expected to plummet to just 883 cubic meters, falling below the international average of 1,700 cubic meters.

"The government is making significant efforts to address the degradation of existing water sources, particularly those vulnerable to encroachment from social and economic activities," Aweso stated.

"We are also implementing strategies to combat climate change impacts, including planting trees around water sources to ensure conservation and mitigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures and drought."

The proposed collaboration with Israel could play a crucial role in securing Tanzania's water future amidst these pressing challenges.