TANZANIA needs 870bn/- to restore water intakes countrywide, which has been destroyed by anthropogenic factors.

Segule Segule, director of the Pangani River Basin unveiled this here on Tuesday when speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting on water catchment conservation planning in the country.

He said that, based on the current situation in water catchment areas, the board has put in place permanent strategies. One of these strategies is securing 870bn/- over 15 years to improve the catchments.

"Due to the problems identified in the catchments, we have estimated 870 billion for the rehabilitation of all the catchments in the country, a total of nine. However, the Pangani board alone needs 180bn/- due to significant damage. This estimate does not mean that the board or the Ministry of Water is providing this amount alone; it is to be done in collaboration with stakeholders, the public, and the water boards," he said.

He added: “If the community collaborates to conserve and protect the catchment and we come to value it, it will already be part of this financial estimate. However, if a private institution (NGO) takes action, we will make similar estimates. We believe that things will progress, and within the next 15 years, our catchments will be in a better state.”

Herbart Kashikilah, national chairman of the Water Forum urged stakeholders to be innovative in solving problems facing water catchment areas.

Rosemary Rwebugisa, Assistant Acting Director for the Water Department in the Ministry of Water, advised water experts to assess and select one example of water intake to ensure a joint effort in maintaining and encouraging stakeholders to conserve catchments in their areas.

Maurus Msuha, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) coordinator said that as stakeholders, they will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Water to recognize the importance of water catchments in the country.

The meeting was held under the theme 'Stakeholder Participation in Water Source Conservation is Our Strength.