Authorities have urged residents of Dar es Salaam and Pwani to use water from the Ruvu River responsibly, as water levels continue to drop due to dry conditions and unregulated agricultural activities.
Farmers relying on river water for irrigation have been asked to temporarily suspend their activities to ensure sufficient supply for households and essential services.
Pwani Regional Commissioner, Abubakar Kunenge, said during a visit to the Ruvu Chini and Ruvu Juu water production plants that rising temperatures and climate changes have reduced water availability, particularly in Ruvu Chini. Unauthorized farming along the river has further contributed to the strain.
“Water from the Ruvu River is vital for domestic use. At this time, it must be reserved for households, schools, hospitals, and other essential needs,” Kunenge emphasized.
While Ruvu Juu maintains satisfactory water levels, Ruvu Chini has experienced a slight decline in production.
Authorities warned that continued unauthorized use of river water could worsen shortages, affecting daily life in both Dar es Salaam and Pwani.
The Regional Commissioner highlighted that the upcoming Kidunda Dam project will help secure water supply in the long term by enabling storage independent of seasonal rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Water, through Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, is working with local authorities and DAWASA to reduce water loss and ensure reliable supply for citizens.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water, avoid illegal water use, and support efforts to protect this critical resource. The message is clear: water is life—let’s use it wisely.