Tanzania’s water progress threatened by wastage – Report

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has made significant strides in improving water utility performance, but inefficiencies threaten to undermine progress, according to the latest Water Utilities Performance Review Report for the 2023/24 financial year released recently.

While water production has increased by seven per cent, the persistent issue of non-revenue water-accounting for 36 per cent of total supply poses a major financial and operational challenge.

The new report published by the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) warns that unless these inefficiencies are addressed, the sector risks losing billions in revenue and failing to meet growing demand.

EWURA assessed water utilities across the country, recognising top-performing institutions while identifying inefficiencies that hinder service delivery.

EWURA’s Director General Dr James Mwainyekule attributed the progress in water access to targeted investments, particularly in urban areas where water coverage now stands at 84 per cent.

He said rural access has also improved, reaching 79.6 per cent.

“These improvements demonstrate our commitment to expanding water services, but we must address existing inefficiencies to sustain progress,” Mwainyekule said during the ongoing World Water Week nationally held in Dar es Salaam, recently.

Despite these gains, the report says, the sector continues to grapple with significant hurdles.

The report reveals that nonrevenue water—the amount lost due to leaks, theft, or metering inaccuracies—remains at 36 per cent, far above the acceptable benchmark of 20 per cent.

This translates to a revenue deficit of 114.12 bn/-. Deputy Prime Minister Doto Biteko who presided over the launch of the report underscored the urgency of resolving these issues.

“We cannot afford to lose this amount of water and revenue. Utilities must modernise their systems and ensure efficiency at all levels,” he said.

Sanitation remains another pressing concern. While access to clean water has improved, wastewater management lags behind. Only 13.4 per cent of urban areas have proper sewerage systems, leaving most regions without comprehensive sanitation networks.

Minister for Water Jumaa Aweso stressed the need for further investment in wastewater treatment and sustainable sanitation solutions.

“Clean water without proper sanitation is an incomplete solution,” he said, calling for an integrated approach to water and hygiene infrastructure. Tanzania’s water utilities were evaluated based on financial sustainability, service efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The report recognised Moshi as the top-performing utility among large-scale providers, followed by Songea and Iringa. Nzega led among mediumsized utilities, with Igunga securing second place.

In the category of smaller utilities serving fewer than 5,000 customers, Orkesumet ranked highest, followed by Biharamulo and Manyoni.

To encourage improvement, EWURA introduced performance-based awards recognising utilities that demonstrated exceptional service.

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Underperforming utilities were urged to reassess strategies, improve infrastructure maintenance and enhance customer service.

The government has pledged continued support to address these concerns, with Mwainyekule emphasising a collaborative approach to overcoming sector-wide challenges.

The government made notable progress in large-scale water projects. Just last week, President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially inaugurated the Same-Mwanga-Korogwe Water Supply Project, a long-awaited initiative that had been delayed for nearly two decades.

The 154 million US dollars project, drawing water from the Nyumba Ya Mungu Dam, is expected to provide clean water to over 300,000 residents in Kilimanjaro Region.

It covers the districts of Same, Mwanga and Korogwe. The initiative aims to enhance living conditions by reducing waterborne diseases and supporting agricultural activities.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding water infrastructure, laying the foundation stone for the extension of the Lake Victoria Water Supply Network in Igunga, Tabora Region.

The 840.8m/- project is set to benefit over 5,000 residents.

He said the project reflects “our promise to improve water access, as outlined in the ruling party’s election manifesto.”

He instructed the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) to bring public water collection points closer to communities.

The Lake Victoria project is now 80 per cent complete, with six new public water points constructed, six existing ones refurbished and additional infrastructure developed to support livestock access to clean water.

Similar initiatives across the country aim to strengthen water availability for rural populations.

The report’s launch event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to clean water and sanitation. Dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Biteko and Minister Aweso, reiterated their dedication to ensuring universal water access.

“Water is life and this government will do everything in its power to ensure every citizen enjoys this basic right,” Biteko said.