The Dar es Salaam Water and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA) has launched a special registration and licensing exercise for septic waste collection trucks as part of efforts to improve sanitation standards, environmental protection, and public health in the city.
The exercise, which runs from January 26 to February 8, 2026, targets all private operators providing septic waste emptying services.
DAWASA said the initiative aims to ensure that waste collected from households and institutions is disposed of only at officially designated treatment facilities, rather than being dumped illegally.
In a public notice, the authority said the move is intended to regulate the growing septic waste sector, improve service quality, and strengthen compliance with waste management regulations.
“Truck owners and operators are required to register their vehicles and obtain official operating licenses to ensure safe and lawful disposal of septic waste,” DAWASA says in the statement.
Operators have been instructed to present key documents during the exercise, including a vehicle registration card, inspection certificate, driver’s license, National ID (NIDA) of the vehicle owner, business license, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
DAWASA warned that service providers found operating without valid licenses after the deadline will face legal action.
Registered vehicles will also be officially branded with DAWASA identification marks to distinguish authorized operators from illegal ones.
The authority further called on institutions and companies that own private septic waste trucks to take part in the exercise, stressing that participation is mandatory.
The registration and licensing process will be conducted free of charge at the Kurasini Septic Waste Treatment Plant.
Members of the public seeking more information have been advised to contact DAWASA through its toll-free customer service line 181 or via +255 735 451 879.
The initiative comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen urban sanitation systems and curb environmental pollution linked to improper waste disposal.