A major water treatment plant in Tanzania started operations this week, bringing clean water to nearly half a million people around Lake Victoria, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced in a press release. The €150 million project took years to complete and involved European donors working with Tanzania’s government. President Samia Suluhu Hassan opened the Butimba facility, which can produce 44,000 cubic meters of treated water daily for Mwanza and surrounding towns.
Tanzania’s Lake Victoria region has struggled with water access for decades, especially in Mwanza, the country’s second-largest urban area. The project also upgraded sewage systems for over 150,000 people using new technology designed for the region’s difficult terrain.
France’s development agency put up €75 million for the project, while the European Investment Bank added €45 million in loans plus €4 million for technical help. The EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund gave €9.9 million in grants, and Tanzania’s government contributed €16 million. The plant serves six cities and towns, including Mwanza, Misungwi, Magu, Lamadi, Bukoba and Musoma.
“Clean water is needed for life and this project will improve health outcomes and transform the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of Tanzanians,” said Edward Claessen from the EIB’s East Africa office.
The project wraps up the first phase of water improvements around Lake Victoria. European donors say they’re ready to fund a second phase, building on 20 years of water projects in the region.
