Between disastrous floods and terrible droughts, the water crisis is hitting harder and broader. How was your 2025, when it comes to water and sanitation? What were your highlights and your nightmares? Did we move forward or are we falling back? And do you have already any water and sanitation resolutions for next year? Share your thoughts. I would love to put your review of 2025 on the website. Send it by email or through Whatsapp.
Here the review by Alpha Ntayomba from the Blue Community PDI – Population & Development Initiative Tanzania:
Tanzania has made notable progress in expanding access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services over recent years. Investments by the government and partners through programs like the Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Services Program have increased access to improved water sources for millions of people and extended sanitation facilities, especially in schools and health care centers. Results include millions of people gaining improved water supply and sanitation, enhanced operation and maintenance capacity, and expanded WASH infrastructure in villages, schools, and health facilities. Some regions, such as Iringa, have achieved open defecation–free status and substantial gains in hygiene access. National data also shows increased household access to protected water sources and improved facilities in many areas.
Despite these gains, major challenges remain. Many existing rural water points are nonfunctional or poorly maintained due to weak management and lack of funds. Urban and rural disparities persist, with rural areas lagging behind in safe water and sanitation access. Sanitation coverage, especially basic services, remains low nationally, and open defecation continues in some communities. Water utilities face inefficiencies, such as high non-revenue water, unreliable supply, and limited sewer network coverage. Climate change, rapid population growth, insufficient funding, and limited technical capacity compound the difficulty of achieving universal, sustainable WASH services. Additionally, many health facilities still lack piped water and adequate sanitation, posing health risks.
