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Revised guide for sewage, fecal sludge management launched

HE Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has unveiled a revised guide for sewage and fecal sludge management, aimed at regulating water and sanitation authorities and improving services for citizens not connected to the sewerage network.

DODOMA: THE Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has unveiled a revised guide for sewage and fecal sludge management, aimed at regulating water and sanitation authorities and improving services for citizens not connected to the sewerage network.

Originally introduced in 2006, the guide has been updated and translated into Kiswahili, to enhance accessibility and usability.

Its launch coincided with the introduction of the Maji Information System (MajIS), a dedicated platform designed to receive, process and store performance data from water and sanitation authorities nationwide.

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Addressing the first national sanitation conference organised by EWURA in Dodoma, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr William Lukuvi highlighted the guide’s role in environmental protection and its alignment with national and international standards.

“It is encouraging to see that this guide focuses on environmental protection and aligns with both national and international guidelines.

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This includes the sixth phase of development plans under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, which aims to implement strategic projects for wastewater disposal systems in regional headquarters across the country,” said Mr Lukuvi.

He emphasised that the guide supports Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 6, which seeks to ensure equitable access to safe and sustainable sanitation services, including hand-washing with soap and running water.

The guide also supports the third Five-Year National Development Plan (FYDP III 2021/22-2025/26), encourages investment in sustainable wastewater treatment technologies and strengthens monitoring and evaluation programmes for water and wastewater quality.

Mr Lukuvi said that the government, in collaboration with development partners, has been enhancing sanitation services through various wastewater infrastructure projects nationwide.

As of April, this year, the sewerage network has expanded to 1,455.93 kilometres, up from 1,416.9 kilometres in April 2023.

Additionally, the number of connections in the wastewater collection, transportation and treatment network has increased to 58,650, compared to 1,923 connections in the same period last year.

Despite these advancements, Mr Lukuvi noted significant challenges, with only 21 out of 85 water and sanitation authorities—equivalent to 24.7 per cent—having sewage and fecal sludge treatment infrastructure.

He urged EWURA to collaborate with stakeholders, including ministries, local government authorities, the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), the private sector and NGOs, to strengthen and modernise sanitation management and safety.

EWURA’s Director General, Dr James Andindiliele, underscored the government’s commitment to managing sanitation and ensuring public safety.

He stated that the conference aimed to foster collaboration and discuss ways to enhance sanitation practices.