Coca-Cola System Invests Heavily in Ruvu Basin Water Restoration
The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania has announced a significant financial commitment, dedicating $1.94 million towards a crucial initiative aimed at restoring the Ruvu Basin. This vital water source is instrumental in supplying Dar es Salaam and other regions across eastern Tanzania. The project, detailed in a press statement on March 25, 2026, underscores a strategic focus on enhancing water replenishment through innovative nature-based solutions.
Key objectives of this ambitious undertaking include the restoration of critical catchment areas and the fortification of sustainable water management practices within the Ngerengere catchment, a significant component of the Ruvu sub-basin.
This impactful initiative is spearheaded by the Global Water Challenge (GWC), with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) serving as the implementing partner. They are collaborating closely with the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) to bring practical, on-the-ground interventions to fruition.
The project is set to implement tangible solutions such as widespread tree planting activities. Furthermore, it will actively promote the adoption of climate-resilient livelihood practices, with a projected direct benefit to at least 2,000 farmers in the region.
Addressing Global Water Insecurity
Alfred Olajide, Vice President for Franchise Operations in East and Central Africa, highlighted the escalating global challenge of water insecurity. He noted that in many areas, the demand for safe and usable water is outstripping supply, leading to increasing scarcity. In response, Olajide affirmed the Coca-Cola system’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing water stewardship. This includes a steadfast focus on enhancing water use efficiency and ensuring that safe water is not only treated but also returned to the communities it serves.
David Chait, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza, emphasized the company’s sense of responsibility towards communities grappling with water scarcity. He stated that Coca-Cola is committed to protecting local water resources in the areas where it operates, particularly in regions facing acute challenges. This initiative, he explained, is designed to bolster the health of vital watersheds while simultaneously improving access to essential water and sanitation services.
A Collaborative Approach to Water Security
Charles Oluchina, Country Representative of IUCN Tanzania, expressed pride in the organization’s role as the implementing partner, working in tandem with WRBWB. He elaborated that the initiative will be instrumental in safeguarding and revitalizing the Ruvu sub-basin. The strategy centers on employing nature-based solutions within the Ngerengere catchment, thereby enhancing both water security and the livelihoods of local communities.
Olajide further stressed the indispensable role of partnerships in ensuring the program’s success. He indicated that Coca-Cola, alongside its authorized bottlers, is actively engaging with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to collaboratively design and implement long-term, sustainable solutions to water-related challenges.
This Ruvu Basin restoration project is an integral part of the Coca-Cola system’s broader Africa Water Stewardship Initiative. Launched in 2024, this overarching initiative represents a substantial investment of nearly $25 million. Its ambitious goal is to address water-related challenges across 20 African countries by the year 2030, fostering resilience and sustainability in local communities.
The initiative’s comprehensive approach aims to:
- Enhance Water Replenishment: Implementing strategies that naturally increase the availability of water resources.
- Restore Catchment Areas: Rehabilitating degraded lands that play a crucial role in water collection and filtration.
- Strengthen Sustainable Water Management: Promoting practices that ensure the long-term availability and equitable distribution of water.
- Promote Climate-Resilient Livelihoods: Supporting communities in adopting practices that can withstand the impacts of climate change, particularly in relation to water availability.
- Foster Community Engagement: Working directly with local populations, including farmers, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions.
The success of such initiatives is intrinsically linked to the collaborative spirit of all stakeholders. By working together, the Coca-Cola system, GWC, IUCN, WRBWB, and local communities are paving the way for a more water-secure future for eastern Tanzania.
