Chinese Firm to Develop $335.338 Million Water Pipeline in Tanzania's Coastal Region

The government of Tanzania has awarded a $335.338 million contract to Sichuan Roads and Bridges Group, a state-owned Chinese firm, to develop a 220-kilometer water pipeline. The pipeline will link Mzima Springs in Taita Taveta to Mazeras storage tanks in Kilifi, aiming to boost water supply to four coastal counties: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Taita Taveta. The project is expected to increase bulk water availability and reduce supply disruptions in the region.

The water pipeline project is part of a 30-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangement between Sichuan Roads and Bridges Group and the Coast Water Works Development Authority (CWWDA). Under this public-private partnership, the Chinese firm will finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the pipeline for 30 years before transferring ownership back to the government. The project will transport 105,000 cubic meters of water daily from Mzima Springs to Mazeras storage tanks, serving millions of residents and supporting water-intensive sectors such as tourism and manufacturing.

The Mzima II project aims to supplement the existing Mzima pipeline, which has struggled to keep pace with rising demand and has ageing infrastructure contributing to supply disruptions. The new pipeline will have a diameter of 1,200 millimeters and will include water intake facilities, transmission pipelines, pumping stations, and storage infrastructure. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce dependence on private water vendors, boreholes, and water storage facilities, lowering operating costs and supporting expansion.

The coastal region has faced significant challenges in matching water production and distribution with demand from households, businesses, and institutions. Data presented to the Senate in June 2026 showed that Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Taita Taveta had a combined daily water demand of 512,000 cubic meters against production of 185,000 cubic meters, leaving a deficit of 327,000 cubic meters. The proposed pipeline will provide a substantial additional source of water, although it would not fully close the regional supply gap.

Samuel Soda Bengi, an engineer and contractor associated with the CWWDA, noted that the existing Mzima pipeline is dilapidated and has a lot of leaks and bursts. The new project is awaiting final approval, and its implementation is expected to improve access to clean water for households, reduce supply disruptions, and strengthen the region's capacity to accommodate more economic growth and investment.

The project proposal was approved in August 2024, and the construction period is expected to be three years, followed by an operation and maintenance period of 27 years. The investment is expected to benefit millions of residents, while supporting water-intensive sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and real estate. The project will also help reduce supply interruptions, improve the operating environment for businesses, and support the development of new housing and commercial facilities.

The Coast Water Works Development Authority (CWWDA) works in partnership with the national and county governments, development partners, and local communities to implement impactful water projects. The agency's efforts aim to create a sustainable water future in the Coast region. With the implementation of the Mzima II project, the region can expect improved water supply, reduced operating costs, and increased economic growth.

Key points

• The project will transport 105,000 cubic meters of water daily from Mzima Springs to Mazeras storage tanks.
• The 30-year BOT arrangement will allow Sichuan Roads and Bridges Group to operate and maintain the pipeline before transferring ownership back to the government.
• The project aims to reduce dependence on private water vendors, boreholes, and water storage facilities, lowering operating costs and supporting expansion.