Tanzania will commemorate Maji week from 16th – 22nd March 2007 in all regions of the country. The climax will be 22nd March which is World Water Day declared by UN General Assembly in 1992.

This year’s theme highlights the significance of cooperation and importance of an integrated approach to water resource management at both international and local levels.

Water is essential for all socio-economic development and for maintaining healthy ecosystems. As population increases and development calls for increased allocations of groundwater and surface water for domestic, agriculture and industrial sectors, the pressure on water resources intensifies leading to tensions, conflicts among users, and excessive pressure on the environment.

At the National Level, Maji week will be held in Kilimanjaro region in Moshi Municipalities. The following activities will be the highlight of the week:

• Maji Week Exhibition from 16th – 22nd March 2007 at the Mashujaa grounds. Hon. Edward Lowassa (PM) will inaugurate the week.

• Stakeholders seminars on 16th March 2007 at Moshi town and 19th March in Hai District. Youth and children seminar will be held on 17th March in Moshi town.

• Stakeholders workshop on 21st March in Moshi town.

•Live interview with Ministry Directors where the public will be given a chance to ask questions and give their comments by telephone on various aspects of water.

•The Water Sector Development Programme will be inaugurated during the World Water day which is also the climax of Maji Week by Honorable Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

The National Water Sector Development Programme (2006 – 2025) main objective is to contribute to poverty reduction through improvements in the governance of water resources management and sustainable delivery of water supply and sanitation services. The Programme has four major components (i) Water Resources Management (ii) Rural water supply and sanitation (iii) Urban water supply and sewerage and (iv) Sector Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building.

Fore more information please see: Daily News & Guardian of 15th March 2007.