MWE Correspondent
Zanzibar is set to benefit from a major investment aimed at transforming access to clean water across its islands. In a ceremony held this week, the government of Zanzibar signed a €25 million grant agreement with Germany,
through its development arm, the KfW Development Bank, to boost water infrastructure in both Unguja and Pemba.
The event took place at the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA), located in Maisara, and was attended by senior government officials and development partners.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Juma Malik, Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office for Finance and Planning, said the initiative is designed to ensure that clean water reaches households directly, easing the burden of water collection that traditionally falls on women and children.
“This project is about restoring dignity to our people,” said Dr. Malik. “It’s time we move away from the image of women walking long distances with water buckets on their heads. Every household deserves the convenience and safety of having clean water at the tap.”
For many communities in Zanzibar, access to water still involves walking long distances or relying on irregular sources like shallow wells or seasonal streams. This burden disproportionately affects women and girls, taking valuable time away from education and economic activity.
The new funding will support the expansion of piped water systems, allowing families to access clean water without leaving their homes. The project will also improve public health by reducing exposure to waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, which remain a concern in areas with poor sanitation.
To understand the broader health impact, see this overview on waterborne diseases.
The agreement reinforces Germany’s longstanding commitment to development in Tanzania. Through initiatives led by agencies like KfW and GIZ, Germany has invested in areas such as water, health, education, and renewable energy.
Previous joint projects in Zanzibar have included water supply improvements in urban areas and support for climate resilience in rural regions. Learn more about Germany’s development cooperation with Tanzania here.
According to government officials, the project will include:
- Expansion of water networks to cover more urban and rural communities.
- Rehabilitation of existing boreholes and water pumping stations.
- Installation of household water meters and infrastructure upgrades.
- Technical training and institutional support for ZAWA (Zanzibar Water Authority).
With implementation set to begin in early 2026, the first phase will prioritize underserved regions in both islands. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
Beyond the numbers and contracts, this initiative represents a shift in the daily reality of thousands of Zanzibari families. A future where a girl can go to school instead of spending hours fetching water. A future where clean water helps prevent illness. A future where modern infrastructure meets human dignity.
“This is a big step forward for Zanzibar,” said one community member in Stone Town, the historic capital of Unguja. “For many of us, water has always meant sacrifice. Now it can mean opportunity.”
