By ALEX SONNA - DODOMA
THE government has elevated environmental sanitation to a strategic national development agenda, unveiling a new integrated sanitation framework aimed at improving public health, boosting economic productivity and building climate-resilient cities and communities.
The policy direction was announced in Dodoma July 2,2026 during the Second National Sanitation Forum, where Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, launched the National Integrated Sanitation Services Guidelines.
Prof Kabudi said the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan now regards environmental sanitation as a key pillar of sustainable development rather than a routine public service.
"Environmental sanitation is no longer just a social responsibility. It is a strategic investment in public health, economic growth and sustainable national development," he said.
He said the new guidelines seek to harmonise sanitation services across the country, ensuring equitable access for both urban and rural communities while strengthening waste collection, treatment and disposal systems.
The minister said the success of the new strategy will depend on behavioural change among wananchi, stronger institutional coordination and increased investment in modern sanitation infrastructure.
Prof Kabudi also commended President Samia for championing the national clean cooking energy agenda, describing it as an important component of the country's broader environmental protection strategy.
He cautioned against the continued dumping of solid waste into storm-water drainage systems, saying the practice blocks drainage infrastructure, worsens flooding and increases the risk of disease outbreaks.
"We must stop treating drainage channels as dumping sites. Proper environmental sanitation is an investment in protecting public health and reducing the economic burden caused by preventable diseases," he said.
The minister further called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws and greater public participation in protecting the environment to safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Meanwhile, Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) Director of Finance, Mr Stanley Mahembe, speaking on behalf of the Director General, said only 24 out of 84 water and sanitation authorities currently have wastewater and faecal sludge treatment facilities.
He said the gap underscores the need to accelerate implementation of the newly launched integrated sanitation guidelines.
EWURA Deputy Board Chairman, Professor Ngosi Mwihava, said the Ministry of Water's 1.12tri/- budget provides an opportunity to expand sanitation and wastewater infrastructure in line with Sustainable Development Goal Six on clean water and sanitation.
Acting Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment, Mr Kunti Majala, said environmental challenges continue to contribute to preventable deaths, calling for intensified public awareness and stronger environmental management.
Earlier, Dodoma District Commissioner Jabir Shekimweri said the rapid population growth in the capital requires a robust sanitation strategy capable of supporting the city's expanding urban infrastructure.
The forum forms part of the government's wider strategy to strengthen environmental sanitation systems and build healthier, safer and more sustainable communities across the country.
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