Water flowing from a tap with a hand underneath. © GIZ / Guy

Climate-adapted management of water and wastewater

Strengthening water security in Zanzibar

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  • Client

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Country
  • Political sponsors

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  • Runtime

    2024 to 2027

  • Involved

    Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA), Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA)

  • Products and expertise

    Sustainable infrastructure: water, energy, transport

Two fishing boats at a mooring.
GIZ / James Ochweri

Context

Zanzibar is a partially independent region in Tanzania that is pursuing its own water policy. The objective is to utilise and manage water, wastewater and sanitary facilities effectively and in a climate-friendly manner. However, the suppliers, relevant institutions and authorities currently do not possess the necessary expertise to achieve this.

The authorities and the utilities determine the water rates without involving civil society and the fees do not cover the costs. Water is polluted by untreated wastewater and waste, which also threatens agriculture and tourism.

Climate change, a growing population, increasing tourism and sealing of built-up areas are also limiting the availability of water. At the same time, Zanzibar aims to develop more wells in order to extract more groundwater. At present, there is insufficient monitoring activities and no comprehensive data on water availability.

Objective

Water security has improved in Zanzibar.

A man transporting crops on his bicycle on the beach.© GIZ / Dirk Ostermeier

Approach

The project supports the Zanzibar Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals (MoWEM), the Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA), and the Zanzibar Utilities Regulation Authority (ZURA) by providing strategic, legal and technical advice on efficient use of water and socially acceptable rates to recover costs.

Training is provided to improve institutions’ and companies’ expertise in water and wastewater management. The project also advises ZAWA on how to enhance the organisation of its operations and reduce water loss.

Another focus is on collaboration with the water authorities, which aims to increase the efficiency of groundwater monitoring and data processing. A digital database is helping to understand water and its availability in the face of climate change. To this end, the project also uses digital tools, in particular probes that record various parameters.

The project also advises hotels on groundwater and the availability of water to facilitate rainwater harvesting and treatment and reuse of wastewater.

Last update: February 2025

Additional information