The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and the United Republic of Tanzania have concluded an Addendum No.1 to the Project and Funding Agreement (PFA) for the implementation of the Mwanza Sewer Connections Upgrade Project, widely known as the Mwanza High Priority Investment (HPI).
The project is implemented under the Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Programme (LVB-IWRMP) co-funded by the Federal Government of Germany (BMZ) and European Union (EU) through KfW, and is executed by the National Project Executing Agency, Mwanza Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MWAUWASA).
The original Project and Funding Agreement, signed in November 2022 between LVBC and MWAUWASA, provided EUR 5.3 million (approximately TZS 15.1 billion) for the implementation of the Mwanza HPI.
In December 2024, LVBC secured two additional grants totalling EUR 30 million form the Federal Government of Germany (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank to support the LVB-IWRMP. Subsequently, in March 2025, Programme Implementation Agreements referred to as “Separate Agreements” were signed between KfW and LVBC, making the additional funds available for utilization.
During the 23rd Ordinary Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers (SECOM) for the Lake Victoria Basin, held in March 2025, additional EUR 7.86 million (approximately TZS 22.4 billion) were allocated specifically to the Mwanza HPI.
This allocation necessitated an amendment to the existing Project and Funding Agreement to accommodate project expansion and enhanced implementation.
Following the signing of the Addendum, total project financing has increased from EUR 5.3 million to EUR 13.16 million, representing an increase from approximately TZS 15.1 billion to TZS 37.5 billion. In line with the expanded scope and funding, the Project and Funding Agreement period has also been extended to February 2029, ensuring adequate time for the successful completion of all planned activities.
The Mwanza HPI aims to increase sewer connectivity in Mwanza City to enable optimal utilization of the existing Ilimela Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) up to its installed capacity, thereby reducing untreated effluent into the Lake and ultimately improving access to safe sanitation and public health conditions within the Lake Victoria Basin at large.
The project seeks to improve sanitation services, protect the environment, and enhance public health outcomes within the Lake Victoria Basin.
The expanded project comprises several key components aimed at improving wastewater management and sanitation services.
These include the construction of 14.4 km of infill sewer lines to collect and convey wastewater from the areas of Igogo, Kitangiri, Kirumba, Pasiansi, and Nyamanoro to the Ilimela Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The project will also involve the construction of 1,600 new sewer connections for households and institutions. In addition, hygiene sensitization and public awareness campaigns will be conducted to promote improved sanitation practices.
The project further includes the rehabilitation and replacement of aging sewerage pumps at three pumping stations within the project area, as well as the acquisition of cesspit emptier trucks to enhance faecal sludge management services.
The signing of the Addendum marks a significant milestone in strengthening wastewater management infrastructure in Mwanza City and reaffirms the commitment of LVBC, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, and development partners to safeguarding the Lake Victoria Basin through sustainable sanitation investments.
The Executive Secretary, Dr. Masinde Bwire, signed the document on behalf of the LVBC, while Ms. Nelly Msuya signed on behalf of MWAUWASA.
Apart from Mwanza, the High Priority Investment Projects are also slated for implementation in the cities of Kisumu (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), and Kigali (Rwanda).
Ends.