DAR ES SALAAM: A GROUNDBREAKING project to channel water from the Rufiji River is set to transform water supply for Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA), aims to address a critical shortfall in daily water production and meet future demand.
Currently, Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region rely on water from the Ruvu River, Kizinga River, Wami River and various boreholes, which collectively produce 534.6 million litres per day. With the daily demand at 544 million liters, this creates a shortfall of 10 million litres.
The new Rufiji River project, however, is projected to generate 750 million litres per day in its first phase, with an expected doubling of capacity in the second phase.
DAWASA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Mkama Bwire shared these insights at a recent meeting organised by the Treasury Registrar Office for editors and journalists in Dar es Salaam.
He emphasised the urgency of the project, noting that water demand in Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region is expected to reach 1.2 billion liters by 2050.
“A feasibility study for this project is due for completion by September, after which we will determine costs and project timelines. This will allow us to secure the necessary funding,” Eng. Bwire stated.
In addition to the Rufiji River project, DAWASA plans to accelerate the installation of pre-paid water metres. Following a successful six-month trial in various city areas with 200 pre-paid metres installed, the authority is now considering private sector involvement to expedite the process.
“We aim to partner with the private sector to boost the installation of pre-paid metres this year and we will explore income-sharing models through water bills,” Eng Bwire said. This initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to implement pre-paid metres.
ALSO READ: JNHPP third power turbine switched on
Eng Bwire explained that pre-paid metres will streamline DAWASA’s operations by focusing solely on water production and distribution, rather than metre reading and debt collection. The authority plans to prioritise installations in areas with high levels of water debt, which currently totals approximately 40 billion shillings.
Over the past three years, DAWASA has expanded its customer base from 343,000 to nearly 450,000, with the water supply network extending to 7,087 kilometres.
The authority’s three-year plan includes measures to reduce water loss (non-revenue water) from the current 35-40 per cent to no more than 20 per cent. Key factors contributing to water loss include outdated infrastructure, water theft and tampered meters.
