Last week Tanzania celebrated the World Water Week as did the rest of the world. The celebrations took place despite the fact that water problems remain in the country and improvements are scarce. Do you think the country should spend resources on celebrating the week?

NO. I don’t see the significance of wasting millions of shillings celebrating the week while water woes are on the increase. I believe that, as for this year, the week is marked at national level in Mtwara. The expenditure that is incurred could have been spared and used at least in renovating water sources and infrastructure. I see no point to stage such colourful celebrations over what has barely been an achievement.
Halima Hemedi – Food vendor.

NO. I don’t see the significance of marking Maji Week. I know Tanzania does not want to be left behind by other states but the truth is we are doing this as a formality. It would be better if Tanzania’s water sector would have used this week to measure any achievements so that adjustments could be made. The week looks more like an excuse for officials to spend money on unnecessary ceremonies while actually women and children continue to suffer by walking long distances fetching water.
Denisa Michael – Caterer.

NO. There is no point in marking the week. In the first place, I think the government is just wasting precious resources in marking this week. What is used during the week could have been used to build some water reservoirs in semi arid areas where livestock need water. We are told that in Ngorongoro District livestock deaths have been reported due to drought. What is the point of spending millions amid such acute problems? This does not surprise me because we don’t have the culture of setting priorities. At least let the authorities be informed about this.
Denis Mlumba – Pastoralist.

YES. To me water scarcity is a blessing. If there is water everywhere then I will have to switch to another trade or else I will starve. I usually sell water at between Tsh. 500 and Tsh. 600 and that is lucrative business for me. If water is readily available then my income will be reduced. But this does not prevent the authorities from ensuring that water is in abundance. To me Maji Week does not add nor reduce anything because since its first commencement I have seen no changes.
Baruani Yusufu – Water Vendor.

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.