Tanzania Inaugurates Butimba Water Treatment Plant

The Tanzanian government has inaugurated the Butimba Water Treatment Plant to improve water and sanitation access to the city of Mwanza and satellite towns of Misungwi, Magu, Lamadi, Bukoba and Musoma.

The plant, which serves as part of the €150 million Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation project, was jointly financed by European financial institutions the French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF) and the government of Tanzania.

“Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project is a comprehensive program covering not only water production but also network expansion, sanitation services and capacity building for Mwanza Urban Water and Sanitation Authority,” stated Celine Robert, Country Director-Tanzania, AFD.

The Butimba Water Treatment Plant will deliver 44,000 cubic meters of treated water per day, serving around 450,000 people. Additionally, the project will improve sanitation services for over 150,000 people.

“This project required political will, engineering and a lot of funding. Investing in people and children, in their health and safety, is investing for the future, for all of us,” stated Anne Sophie, French Ambassador, Tanzania. 

Funding for the project included a €75 million loan from the AFD, a €45 million loan from the EIB – including €4 million for technical assistance – and €9.9 million from the EU-AITF. The government of Tanzania contributed €16 million towards the project’s development.