MUWSA tops water utility awards

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a decisive shift in Tanzania’s water sector, Moshi Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MUWSA) has emerged as the nation’s top-performing utility in the 2023/24 Water Utilities Performance Review Report.

The annual evaluation, conducted by the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), highlighted both significant progress and persistent challenges in the country’s water supply services.

The awards ceremony, held at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam this week alongside the report’s launch, recognised the best-performing utilities while calling for urgent reforms in underperforming ones.

Moshi Water Authority’s rise to the top reflects its dedication to service excellence, operational efficiency and financial sustainability. MUWSA surpassed last year’s leader, Iringa.

According to the utility regulator, Moshi has significantly improved its water distribution infrastructure and customer service.

The authority has successfully maintained a high-water service coverage rate while ensuring minimal disruptions in supply.

“Its ability to manage water production capacity efficiently has set a benchmark for other utilities,” Minister for Water Jumaa Aweso commended its efforts, stating, “These utilities serve as a benchmark for the sector, demonstrating that with proper management and commitment, we can provide reliable and sustainable water services to all Tanzanians.”

One of Moshi’s key achievements has been its strong financial performance.

The authority has excelled in revenue collection, reducing financial losses that often affect many utilities.

EWURA said, MUWSA has been implementing cost-reduction strategies and enhancing metering efficiency.

“This has strengthened its financial position, allowing further investments in infrastructure,” said EWURA’s Board Chairman Prof Mark Mwandosya.

“This has been a key factor in its top ranking, showcasing how efficient resource management can drive sector-wide improvements.”

Despite its success, MUWSA is not without challenges. Like many other utilities, the regulator says, it still faces issues related to non-revenue water (NRW), which remains a national concern.

However, the authority has taken proactive steps to minimise water losses through improved monitoring systems, rapid response to leaks and community awareness programmes aimed at reducing illegal connections.

These initiatives have contributed to its strong standing in the 2023/24 rankings, as they demonstrate a clear commitment to service improvement.

EWURA’s Director General, Dr James Mwainyekule, emphasised, “The competition among water utilities fosters improvement. We want to see all utilities striving to enhance their service delivery, learning from those that have excelled.”

A comparison with the previous year’s performance report indicates notable shifts. In the 2022/23 rankings, Iringa held the top position among large-scale utilities, with Moshi improving its standing to claim the top spot in 2023/24.

Similarly, in the medium-sized category, Nzega retained its leading position, while Orkesumet outperformed Biharamulo to become the best-performing small utility serving fewer than 5,000 customers.

ALSO READ: EWURA highlights 2023/24 electricity sector transformation

The rankings underscore the impact of targeted reforms and infrastructure investments. The awards not only celebrate success but also highlight areas requiring urgent improvement.

The report identified utilities that struggled to meet performance benchmarks, with issues ranging from delayed financial reporting to poor infrastructure maintenance.

Tunduru, Chato and Rombo were among the lowest-ranked utilities in their respective categories, reflecting the need for targeted interventions.

Deputy Prime Minister Doto Biteko urged underperforming utilities to take corrective measures, stating, “This government has invested heavily in water projects. It is unacceptable for any utility to lag behind in providing this essential service. We demand accountability and results.”

The awards also served as a platform to recognise utilities that excelled in implementing their business plans.

Maswa was honoured as the bestmanaged medium-sized utility, while Moshi and Mbeya were commended for aligning their strategies with national development goals.

The 2023/24 report also revealed improvements in key performance indicators compared to the previous year. Water production increased by 7 per cent, building on the modest 1.76 per cent rise recorded in 2022/23.

Yet, challenges remain, particularly in wastewater management and infrastructure maintenance, areas where EWURA has urged utilities to adopt more robust solutions. “Reducing non-revenue water is not just a financial concern—it’s a service delivery issue,” Dr Mwainyekule noted.

“Every drop lost is a missed opportunity for the communities we serve.” EWURA has pledged to continue providing technical support to struggling utilities, offering capacitybuilding programmes and infrastructural guidance.

“We are not here just to regulate but to facilitate growth and efficiency in the sector,” Dr Mwainyekule affirmed.

The government, through the Ministry of Water, has also vowed to enforce stringent accountability measures to ensure that investments in water infrastructure translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

As Tanzania progresses toward its goal of achieving universal access to clean water and improved sanitation, such performance evaluations will play a vital role in shaping the sector.

By recognising top-performing utilities and addressing inefficiencies, the nation is taking decisive steps toward sustainable and equitable water management.

The awards serve as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, urging all utilities to enhance their service delivery for the benefit of the entire country.