Davis & Shirtliff calls for increased investment in water projects

As the world marks World Water Day, leading water and energy solutions provider Davis & Shirtliff has said collaboration between the public and the private sector will continue to play a crucial role in ending extreme poverty and disparities that have often led to conflict in the wake of adverse climate change effects in Tanzania, other parts of Africa and the World.

Unpredictable rainfall patterns have in recent months affected agriculture and animal husbandry in parts of Tanzania, impacting economic activities especially among farming and animal husbandry communities.

“Urgent and long-term support with investments in key water infrastructure and effective management will serve as the ultimate pathway for Tanzania to achieve universal water access and climate resilience while ensuring food security and by extension possible conflict,” said Davis & Shirtliff Tanzania managing director Benjamin Munyao.

The firm has urged the private sector, government and development partners to escalate investments in water projects in areas hugely affected by unpredictable weather patterns to help achieve sustainable development through technology.

Groundwater is a very important resource for socio-economic development. With targeted mapping out of all water infrastructure and deployment of technology it is becoming easier to move communities and the nation at large from rain-fed agriculture.

“Even during rainy seasons, we know that in no time the water comes and goes leaving communities in drought-prone regions back to the drawing board.

But with the globally decreasing cost of solar PV modules and recent technological advances, solar installations are becoming increasing popular for powering boreholes in Tanzania, helping expand water access for farming including for irrigation in every part of the country,” Mr Munyao added.

According to the 2023 State of Africa Environment report, compiled by India’s Centre for Science and Environment, critical water basins across Africa are depleting due to unsustainable usage, becoming focal points for water competition and conflicts.

The report further warns that if the decline in natural capital, such as water basins, continues, approximately 1.5 billion Africans could face food insecurity by 2030, while a further 1.2 billion will be exposed to water pollution, heightening tensions between countries and communities that share water resources.

“More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, out of 153 countries that share rivers, lakes, and aquifers with their neighbors, only 24 countries report having cooperation agreements for all their shared water,” noted Mr Munyao.

This call comes as D&S expands its presence, marking a significant milestone of over 100 branches across Africa with the objective of ensuring access to clean and safe water for all.

Through its #ImprovingLives initiative, D&S implemented hundreds of sustainable water projects impacting over 1.2 million people in different parts of Africa.