On 20th June 2025, the €150 million Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) project was officially completed and the Butimba Water Treatment Plant inaugurated in Mwanza.
The project, jointly financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB Global), the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, and the Government of Tanzania, has expanded and upgraded water supply and sanitation systems in Mwanza and its environs, including the satellite towns of Misungwi, Magu, Lamadi, Bukoba, and Musoma.
The LVWATSAN project included a €75 million loan from AFD, a €45 million loan and €4 million technical assistance from EIB Global, a €9.9 million grant from the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, and a €16 million contribution from the Government of Tanzania.
This marks a major increase in safe water and hygiene access in Tanzania’s second most populated region.
The newly launched Butimba Water Treatment Plant now provides 44,000 cubic meters of treated water per day, benefitting approximately 450,000 people.
Additionally, the project has improved sanitation services for over 150,000 people through the introduction of innovative simplified sewerage systems designed for Mwanza’s challenging terrain and the rehabilitation or creation of 33,000 water connections.
During the launch, H.E. Anne Sophie Avé, French Ambassador to Tanzania, noted: “This water and sanitation project is exemplary. France and the European Union have worked with the Tanzanian government at bringing clean water to the people for over 20 years. It will make thousands of peoples’ lives better. This project required political will, engineering and a lot of funding. Investing in people and children, in their health and safety, is investing for the future, for all of us.”
Celine Robert, AFD Country Director for Tanzania, said: “We are extremely proud of this Butimba water treatment project, which will significantly improve water services in the area. Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project is a comprehensive program covering not only water production but also network expansion, sanitation services and capacity building for Mwanza Urban Water and Sanitation Authority. We are proud to announce that we are ready to scale up our investment in phase 2 of the program, demonstrating our continued commitment to water and sanitation in the Lake Victoria region.”
Edward Claessen, Head of the EIB Regional Hub for East Africa, stated: “Clean water is essential for life and this project will improve health outcomes and transform the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of Tanzanians living around Lake Victoria. The European Investment Bank is the largest financier of water projects globally and is committed to supporting more of such crucial investments.”
EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, H.E. Christine Grau, added: “This project is about improving lives—bringing clean water and better sanitation to families in Mwanza and beyond. It shows what we can achieve when we work together towards shared goals. This is the spirit of Team Europe and Global Gateway—investing in people, infrastructure, and long-term development. As we mark 50 years of EU–Tanzania partnership, we’re proud to support impactful projects that respond to real needs and build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the European Union’s long-term lending institution, owned by EU Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives, and its EIB Global division is dedicated to international partnerships and development finance, aiming to support €100 billion of investment by 2027.
AFD Group is France’s international development agency, active in over 160 countries, implementing more than 4,000 projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The EU Delegation in Tanzania coordinates relations between the European Union, Tanzania, and the East African Community, and manages the Global Gateway initiative—a European strategy to boost investments in digital, energy, transport, health, and education infrastructure worldwide.
The EU-Africa Global Gateway investment package targets €150 billion in investments to accelerate Africa’s digital and green transition and support sustainable job growth and stronger health systems.
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