News
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Tanzania receives $44.9 million to improve water access
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania - Tanzania has received $44.9 million as an additional funds for a joint program to improve water access for 1.5 million Tanzanians.
The World Bank has approved money in additional financing for the Water Sector Support Program for Tanzania, a jointly funded program by the government of Tanzania and various development partners.
The bank said it has approved support to Tanzania to help expand access to safe water and sanitation services for the poor in rural and urban communities, and to improve the management of the country’s natural water resources.
The new $44.9 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) provides additional funds to primarily scale-up the components of the ongoing Water Sector Support Project (WSSP).
“This project is designed to provide safe water and sanitation facilities for rural and urban residents, and support institutions to facilitate efficient, integrated management of the country’s water resources,” the bank said.
Approved by the Board in 2007, the WSSP is contributing to the first phase of the Tanzania Water Sector Development Program (WSDP) which spans a 20 year period from 2006-2025.
The program which is supported by the government of Tanzania, multiple development partners and other stakeholders and has already delivered key development results, such as the completion (or ongoing completion) of sub-projects in 918 villages.
These sub-projects include 26,468 new or rehabilitated water points to benefit 6.7 million rural people, support to water utilities to increase access to 2.8 million urban dwellers, and support to local governments to improve sanitation for 180,000 households, or approximately 900,000 people.
To ensure adequate water resources management the project will help establish basin-wide water resources management plans and strengthen key institutions.
“The WSSP is providing equitable access to water and sanitation facilities, which are key factors for better health and improved quality of life for poor people in rural and urban communities in Tanzania,” Mr. Philippe Dongier, World Bank Country Director for Tanzania said.
By Leonard Magomba, Saturday, June 21st, 2014