Tanzania’s Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, has moved to reassure residents of Dar es Salaam and Coast Region about the availability of clean and safe water, following a high-level inspection of the upgraded Upper Ruvu Water Treatment Plant.
Speaking after the tour, the minister said he was satisfied with the improvements and directed the Dar es Salaam Water and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA) to ensure the water reaches citizens without interruption.
“The situation is now stable. I had previously issued instructions for upgrades, and today I’m pleased to see real progress. DAWASA has done an excellent job here, and the water source is more than adequate,” said Aweso.
He stressed that with the plant operating effectively and water readily available, DAWASA must prioritise last-mile delivery.
“It is now DAWASA’s duty to make sure this water reaches the people. As a ministry, we will continue to provide all necessary support. The government has also procured new pumps for the facility to act as backups in case of technical faults,” he added.
The minister praised the Coast Regional Government and ruling party CCM for their continued cooperation, which he said was crucial in strengthening public service delivery in the water sector.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Eng. Mwajuma Waziri, commended DAWASA for the scale of improvements and urged the authority to enhance community engagement in resolving customer concerns.
“It’s not just about infrastructure. Listening to citizens and addressing leakage-related water losses must now be key priorities,” she said.
Kibaha District Commissioner, Nickson Simon, said the local administration was working closely with DAWASA and the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board to identify alternative water sources and reduce pressure on the Ruvu River.
He revealed that watering points for livestock are being constructed in Minazi Mikinda and Mpera-Mumbi villages as part of efforts to curb degradation of the river’s ecosystem.
Meanwhile, DAWASA’s Acting Chief Executive, Eng. Mkama Bwire, announced that in the 2025/26 financial year, the authority aims to connect 72,000 new customers as part of its commitment to improving access to clean water across the region.
The Ruvu Juu plant serves as one of the primary sources of water for Dar es Salaam, a rapidly growing metropolis with increasing demands on its water infrastructure.
The latest developments mark a significant step in the government’s broader efforts to secure urban water resilience and advance sustainable development goals.