Major Upgrade for Water and Sanitation in Mwanza Region
On June 20, 2025, Team Europe celebrated the inauguration of the Butimba Water Treatment Plant, completing a €150 million investment in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) program. The initiative delivers clean drinking water to approximately 450,000 people and improved sanitation services to more than 150,000 across Mwanza, Misungwi, Magu, Lamadi, Bukoba, and Musoma, helping address public health and environmental challenges (European Investment Bank).
A Joint Commitment to Sustainable Development
This large-scale infrastructure project was co-financed by several European development actors. The French Development Agency (AFD) provided a €75 million loan, while EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, added €45 million in financing along with €4 million in technical assistance. The EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund contributed €9.9 million in grants, and the Government of Tanzania invested €16 million to support implementation through the Ministry of Water.
Improving Lives through Infrastructure
The new Butimba plant can treat 44,000 cubic metres of water per day, significantly increasing access to safe drinking water in the region. Alongside water access, the program includes simplified sewerage systems designed to suit Mwanza’s rocky terrain. These improvements are expected to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, improve sanitation, and enhance quality of life across Lake Victoria’s northern basin.
According to the Ministry of Water, the project also focused on strengthening the capacity of local water utilities to manage services more efficiently. The infrastructure was implemented in close partnership with local and national authorities to ensure long-term sustainability.
Reflecting Global Gateway Values
Representatives of Team Europe emphasized that this investment aligns with the Global Gateway strategy – the European Union’s approach to sustainable, trusted infrastructure development worldwide. Anne-Sophie Avé, Ambassador of France to Tanzania, highlighted over 20 years of Franco-European partnership in supporting Tanzania’s water sector and confirmed France’s continued engagement in future development phases.
Céline Robert, AFD’s Country Director for Tanzania, called the project a cornerstone in the country’s water infrastructure and confirmed that preparations for Phase 2 of the program are already underway. Edward Claessen, Head of the EIB Regional Hub for East Africa, called the results “life-changing” and praised the role of strong public-private collaboration.
Christine Grau, Ambassador of the European Union to Tanzania, noted that the success of this project demonstrates the strength of Europe-Tanzania cooperation and reflects 50 years of partnership grounded in mutual development goals.
Toward a Resilient Water Future
The LVWATSAN program is more than a construction effort – it represents a long-term commitment to climate-resilient, inclusive water systems in East Africa. With growing populations and rising demand for clean water, initiatives like this are essential to securing public health, supporting local economies, and delivering on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Tanzanian government and its European partners have made it clear that this is just the beginning. Phase 2 planning is underway, with a continued focus on bringing clean, reliable water and sanitation to even more communities across the country.