GWPSA is currently carrying out a Rapid Assessment Study on Groundwater Potential in Zanzibar, in order to evaluate the existence and potential of groundwater resources on the island.
H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar meets with GWPSA Executive Secretary Alex Simalabwi
“Zanzibar relies entirely on groundwater as the main source of domestic water and this source is increasingly compromised by rising sea levels due to climate change,” said Mr. Simalabwi.
“Tapping into deeper groundwater aquifers has the potential to secure fresh water for Zanzibar’s growing population and economy, but first there is a need to establish reliable information on actual reserves available for sustainable development,” he added.
The project is being conducted with the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals of Zanzibar incollaboration with Zanzibar Water Authority, and the SADC Groundwater Management Institute.
GWPSA works in Zanzibar, via the Tanzania Water Partnership, whose main objective is to support the government by promoting partnerships in implementing water resources management in the country as a means to foster equitable and efficient management and sustainable utilization of water resources for economic growth, environmental integrity, and human security.
H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, meeting with the GWPSA delegation
During the meeting, the GWPSA delegation and H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi also discussed preparations for a High-Level Investment Conference and Partners Meeting due to take place 11 - 14 December 2021 in Zanzibar.
The event will present and validate the AIP Water Investment Scorecard to stakeholders, including African government departments related to water, development and multilateral organisations, civil society, technical experts, and river basin organisations.
President Mwinyi discussing the urgent need for water investment in Zanzibar
Currently under development, the Scorecard supports the implementation of the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) through raising awareness among African Heads of State and government decision makers on the need to address the water investment gap in Africa by tracking progress and identifying bottlenecks.
The High-Level Investment Conference will be convened GWP-Africa Coordination Unit, with support from the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). The event will be opened by Hon. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar.
The event will take place back to back with the GWPSA Board Meeting and the GWPSA biannual Consulting Partners Meeting.