MOROGORO, Mar 26 – The Coca-Cola system is investing $1.94 million to restore the Ruvu Basin, Dar es Salaam’s main water source that supports nearly nine million residents, surrounding farms, and regional businesses.
The project targets the Ngerengere catchment of the Ruvu sub-basin with nature-based solutions, including reforestation, restoring degraded land, and supporting climate-resilient farming. At least 2,000 farmers are expected to benefit directly.
Alfred Olajide, Vice President for Franchise Operations in East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola, said water is getting tighter across the region. “The world is seeing more water insecurity, and in some areas, the demand for safe, usable water is already higher than what’s available,” he said.
He added that the challenge is only going to grow and that the company is focusing on better water stewardship, using water more efficiently, and making sure safe water gets back to communities.
David Chait, Managing Director of Coca‑Cola Kwanza, added: “As part of the Coca‑Cola Beverages Africa group, we have a responsibility to assist those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges. The Coca‑Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities.”
Charles Oluchina, Country Representative of International Union for Conservation of Nature in Tanzania, said his organization is proud to be leading the project alongside WRBWB. He added that the initiative will focus on restoring the Ruvu sub-basin, especially the Ngerengere catchment, using nature-based solutions to improve water security and support local communities’ livelihoods.
“Recognising that partnerships are critical to support this work, Coca‑Cola and its authorized bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to design and implement strategic interventions for a better shared future,” concluded Olajide.
The Ruvu River supplies the vast majority of municipal water to Tanzania’s largest city and coastal region, accounting for about 87 percent of water delivered by the Dar es Salaam Water and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA). Data shows the city’s daily water demand is roughly 770 million litres, while current production capacity stands at about 534 million litres per day, highlighting the pressure on the basin.
The project is part of Coca-Cola’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024, which plans nearly $25 million in investment across 20 African countries by 2030 to strengthen water resources.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, the continent’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, operates in 14 countries, accounts for over 40 percent of Coca-Cola’s ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa, and serves more than 840,000 customers.
