DAWASA highlights water supply challenges amid national goals

DAR ES SALAAM: The Dar es Salaam Water and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA) stated that the distribution of clean water services in Tanzania has not yet reached 100 per cent, as the CCM party manifesto aiming for 95 coverage by 2025.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer Eng. Mkama Bwire highlighted the ongoing issues during a seminar with editors held on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam.

The event was organized by the Office of the Treasury Registrar, shed light on both progress and challenges within the sector.

He also pointed out that while many citizens are connected to the water pipeline network, continuous access of water in all time remains a challenge.

He emphasized that the sixth phase government is adopt many ways to undertake several significant water projects.

He said, the third phase of the Chalinze water project has boosted production capacity to 21.6 million liters per day.

In the area of Wastewater management, Mr Bwire acknowledged that many regions still lack a comprehensive sewage network.

He mentioned that a major wastewater project is currently underway in the Mbezi Beach area, with an investment of 132 billion shillings.

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Despite these advancements, Bwire admitted that DAWASA faces major challenges, including water loss caused by the infrastructure, water theft, and meter accuracy issues.

“Water leakage from old infrastructure and theft are significant problems we are tackling,” he said.

He urged that as DAWASA continues its efforts to improve water and sanitation services, these challenges highlight the need for sustainable infrastructure development and local collaboration to achieve the nation’s ambitious clean water goals

In response, Chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) Deodatus Balile, called on DAWASA to support local industry by using water meters manufactured by Tanzanian youth instead of relying on imports.

He said the move would not only reduce costs but also promote local innovation and employment.