The Tanzanian government has directed that available water supplies in Dar es Salaam be distributed fairly, as residents continue to struggle with limited access to safe and reliable water, a situation affecting daily life, household economies, and public health.
Speaking during a briefing with editors on December 12, 2025, from Dodoma, Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, acknowledged citizens’ frustrations but urged patience.
“It is the right of residents to raise concerns when essential services are disrupted. At the same time, we must remain patient and show solidarity, as this situation is temporary,” he said.
The Ministry has also instructed the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (DAWASA) to make public a clear schedule of water distribution so that residents can prepare and store water on days when supply will be limited.
Water shortages have forced residents in areas such as Tabata, Kariakoo, Segerea, and Temeke to wake up before dawn in search of water or queue at public wells operating unpredictably.
Many are paying up to Sh1,000 for a jerrycan, a sharp increase from the usual Sh200.
DAWASA Chief Executive Officer, Mkama Bwire, said the shortage at the Ruvu Chini water plant has reduced production from 270 million litres to 50 million litres, a drop unprecedented in recent years.
“We are distributing the limited water fairly across all affected areas to minimise the impact on residents. Our teams are also repairing leaks as quickly as possible to prevent wastage,” Bwire said.
He added that the Ruvu Juu plant, supplying areas from Kibaha, Kibamba, Kimara, Tabata, Kinyerezi, Pugu, to Kisarawe, continues to perform relatively well, producing 151.4 million litres daily out of a capacity of 196 million litres.
The reduction in supply has been attributed to low water levels in the Ruvu River due to delayed rainfall.
To address the crisis, DAWASA has temporarily restricted water usage for agriculture and livestock, prioritising domestic consumption.
Short-term measures include activating additional boreholes in Mwananyamala, Tabata Matumbi, Segerea, and Bonyokwa and installing high-capacity pumps in Kimbiji and Kigamboni to boost production.
Bwire emphasised the importance of cooperation with private stakeholders operating large boreholes to supplement the supply.
Patrolling and monitoring in collaboration with the Pwani Regional Government and the Wami-Ruvu Basin Board are ongoing to prevent overuse and protect water sources.
Minister Aweso noted the government’s commitment to resolving the shortage swiftly.
“These are immediate measures to ensure fairness and access for every resident. We are working on sustainable solutions to prevent similar disruptions in the future,” he said.
Residents are urged to use water judiciously, store it carefully, and avoid non-essential use, while authorities continue to implement permanent solutions to the ongoing supply challenges.
Source: https://www.mwananchi.co.tz/mw/habari/kitaifa/maji-kizungumkuti-dawasa-yataja-mkakati-5295906