Strengthening Accountability in Water Governance: Key Insights from the Maji Scientific Conference 2025.
By Mwajuma Salum Basho
Mwajuma speaking at the Maji Scientific Conference
In January 2025, the Water Institute of Tanzania convened the 4th International Maji Scientific Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The conference aimed to share knowledge on water and sanitation solutions in the era of climate change. It was attended by 100+ stakeholders, including the Vice President of Tanzania, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Water, government officers from the Ministry of Water, Water Supply Sanitation Authorities, Basin Water Boards, and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency. Other participants included researchers and representatives from Civil Society Organizations. Shahidi wa Maji utilised the platform to advocate for systemic change in water governance in Tanzania. The advocacy involved disseminating knowledge and advocating for necessary policy and practical changes as part of the implementation of the Accountability for Water: Action and Research Programme Phase Two (2023-2026).
Key Messages Shared
Shahidi wa Maji’s Research Officer, Miss. Mwajuma Salum Basho presented a paper titled “Enhancing Enabling Environments of Accountability for Resilient Water Resources Management in Tanzania.” The presentation discussed systemic barriers related to legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms that prevent communities from claiming accountability for water resilience in water resource management and water supply. The presentation highlighted two key issues that require change.
• Gaps in Legal Frameworks – While Tanzania’s water governance laws provide for the inclusion of citizens in water resource management and water supply and sanitation, the laws partially address reporting mechanisms, which limit citizens’ ability to hold duty bearers accountable.
• Inclusivity in Water Governance – Legal frameworks overlook people with disabilities, despite provisions for women’s participation in water user associations.
Recommendations for Policy and Practice
The Water Resources Management Act of 2009 and the Water Supply and Sanitation Authority Act of 2019 should be further revised to incorporate the participation of people with disabilities in water resources management.
Water User Associations (WUA) guidelines should provide for the inclusion of people with disabilities in WUA committees.