THE development of infrastructure in the Lake Victoria zone has to go hand in hand with environmental protection of the lake, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared.

Inaugurating the Butimba water project in Mwanza city yesterday, she appealed to communities in the zone to participate in these efforts as failure to conserve the lake and maintain water systems could undermine years of investment and effort to improve public health and access to water.

All sectors of society need to work together to protect Lake Victoria as it has a crucial role as a lifeline for millions of people, she stated, underlining that Lake Victoria is not just a body of water—it is life itself for this region.

 “All stakeholders, from government agencies to local communities, must take joint responsibility for conserving it,” she said, noting that the Butimba water project will benefit more than 450,000 residents in Mwanza and neighboring areas, improving access to clean and reliable water supply.

 The project is part of a broader urban water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme, with the president describing the project as a milestone in the government’s efforts to eliminate water shortages.

Its success depends on residents taking responsibility to protect and sustain the infrastructure, she said, stressing that the project belongs to the residents. “You must protect it, maintain it and use it wisely,” she emphasized

The 40bn/-  project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Investment Bank, involved installing water tanks in Mwanza’s hilly suburbs, construction of a major sewage network and the development of over 100 public toilets.

Local authorities and various service providers need to prioritize maintenance and timely repairs as water infrastructure has to be built to last long, she said.

“We must invest not only in building but in maintaining and repairing,” she said, asserting that the projects are not just pipes and tanks but the foundation of life in the region.

She reiterated the government’s intention to remove invasive weeds from the lake, threatening water intake systems and the wider aquatic ecosystem.

Anne-Sophie Ave, the French ambassador, praised the long-standing partnership between Tanzania and France, especially in the water and sanitation sector.

“Water is central to development—whether in health, education or economic growth,” she stated, noting that France is committed to supporting Tanzania’s efforts in this crucial area.

Access to safe water is also essential for empowering women and communities, especially in underserved areas, the envoy affirmed.

Jumaa Aweso, the minister, said the Butimba project is one of many national water initiatives being implemented during the past four years, commending the

Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) with helping to expand water access in rural and urban areas.

“In just eight years, we have dramatically expanded our water network,” he said, noting that the president’s vision to ensure universal access to clean water by 2030 is within reach.

The government is scaling up efforts to tackle environmental threats in Lake Victoria, including removal of invasive species that hinder water intake and navigation, he added.