"Zanzibar's Urban West Gets Major Water Supply Boost

Zanzibar's Urban West Region to Benefit from Major Water Supply Project

ZANZIBAR, February 22, 2025 – Residents of Zanzibar's Urban West Region are now reaping the benefits of a significant water supply initiative, marking the end of long-standing water shortages in the area. The project, a part of the Safe and Clean Water Distribution Program, was funded by India's Exim Bank and represents a milestone for the region's water access.

With a substantial investment of 92.18 million US dollars, the project, which began in 2021, was successfully completed in 2024. The initiative has already begun transforming the lives of countless residents, providing them with a sustainable and reliable source of water.

In a recent meeting with senior officials from Exim Bank, the Indian government, the Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA), and the Ministry of State (Finance and Planning), ZAWA's Director General, Engineer Salha Mohamed Kassim, underscored the transformative impact of the project.

"A total of 55 Shehias (wards) have benefited from this project," said Eng. Salha. "48 in Mjini Magharibi, two in North Unguja, and five in South Unguja. The issue of water shortage in these areas will now be resolved."

She further emphasized the importance of local cooperation in maintaining the newly installed infrastructure. "The main work is completed, and the water distribution network is in place. We are currently focused on final home connections to provide water directly to households," she added.

A delegation from the Indian government, led by Deputy Managing Director of Exim Bank, Ms Deepali Agrawal, visited both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania to assess the project’s completion and its broader impact. They expressed satisfaction with the successful execution of the initiative, which included the construction of 64 new boreholes producing 177 million litres of water daily and 15 storage tanks with a combined capacity of 134 million litres.

Eng. Salha also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Indian government, Tanzania’s President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zanzibar's President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi for their unwavering support in bringing this project to fruition. "We sincerely thank the Indian government for this major initiative," she said. "Residents are urged to take good care of this valuable resource."

The Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of the State, President’s Office, Finance and Planning, Mr. Aboud Hassan Mwinyi, reaffirmed the Zanzibar government's commitment to securing more funding for future water infrastructure projects, ensuring continued progress in addressing the island's water needs.