The MoU was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Mbogo Futakamba on behalf of the government whilst the TWP Executive Secretary, Dr Victor Kongo, signed on behalf of the TWP. The government was also represented by Mr. Hamza Sadiki, Director of Water Resources and his deputy Mr. Slyvester Matemu. In addition to the TWP Board members, the occasion was also graced by Mr Andrew Takawira and Michael Ramaano from the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA).
The purpose and aim of the MoU is to allow for the exchange of scientific and technical information and personnel on the basis of mutual benefit with the objective to developing capacity, advocating and promoting sustainable management and development of water resources in Tanzania in a holistic and integrated manner.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the Ministry has prioritized water conservation and management as key issues that need to be addressed. Thus he expects TWP to be able to support the Ministry technically to ensure that this mandate is carried out. He highlighted that the Ministry is also looking at receiving support from TWP in the areas of water security, attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change adaptation. If supported in these fields, then the MoU will be a big success and will have lasting impact. He further noted that the Ministry is committed to working with the TWP in addressing youth and gender issues, building capacity and implementation of new technologies for improved water resources management.
Due to the competing demands from Agriculture, urbanization, energy, and urban water supply, emphasized the need for a holistic approach to Water Resource Management especially through Integrated Water Resource Management. He was confident that the MoU would help in the implementation of the planned activities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Andrew Takawira, GWPSA, added that the signing of the MoU was a step towards solidifying the relationship between Ministry and TWP. He noted that Tanzania had in the past supported SADC in activities relating to IWRM awareness and Capacity Building. In the recent past, TWP supported in the development of the Regional Strategic Action Plan IV. With the introduction of the WACDEP in Tanzania, Mr. Takawira noted that more activities on Water resource management were anticipated going forward for the benefit of the country.
In his acceptance speech Dr Victor Kongo thanked the Ministry for the opportunity to partner with the TWP. He indicated that TWP is part of GWPSA and strives to provide a neutral platform for all stakeholders in order to improve water resources management. He indicated that the TWP and Ministry have worked together for a long time since 2004 when the partnership was established, hence the MoU was an organic progression of the relationship that the two institutions enjoy. This also became imperative ever when the TWP was registered as an NGO.