The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has unveiled a state-of-the-art digital system to verify water meters at its Dodoma headquarters, a move set to improve service accuracy and efficiency across ongoing water projects nationwide.
WMA Head of Verification and Standards, Magesa Biyani, said the new system, which cost about TZS 400 million, will allow faster and more precise verification of water meters, supporting projects in Dodoma and surrounding regions.
“This system comes at the right time, enabling traders and water authorities to ensure that all meters installed for consumers are verified by WMA. It guarantees that citizens pay for exactly what they use,” Biyani said during a briefing with journalists on February 3, 2026.
Unlike previous mechanical testing benches that could check only ten meters at a time over 20 to 30 minutes, the digital system can verify multiple meters simultaneously in a fraction of the time.
Together with similar systems at the Misugusugu Verification Centre in Pwani, it has significantly increased both the volume and accuracy of verified meters nationwide.
At the Misugusugu centre, between 200,000 and 300,000 meters are verified annually, depending on project demand.
Biyani noted that the modern verification process protects the financial interests of both consumers and suppliers, while also strengthening the overall economy.
Under the law, any business or company wishing to import or manufacture water meters must first submit a sample to WMA for verification.
After approval, all meters produced or imported must be individually verified to ensure accuracy.
“This protects both the customer and the supplier. Verified meters ensure consumers pay only for what they use, and suppliers receive the correct payment for the service they provide,” Biyani said.
WMA plans to roll out similar systems across the remaining regions over the next five years, including the Northern, Lake, Western, and Southern zones.
In areas without digital systems, verification continues using mechanical benches and portable testing kits carried by WMA officers to reach remote locations.
Biyani urged water sector stakeholders in Dodoma and nearby regions to make use of the new system to have meters verified.
He warned that using unverified meters is illegal, with penalties ranging from TZS 100,000 to 50 million depending on the severity of the offense. Verification costs TZS 10,000 per meter, while structural approval costs TZS 50,000.
The Weights and Measures Act, Cap. 340, requires all water meters to be verified at least once a year. WMA also carries out surprise inspections to detect fraud and enforce compliance.
Verified meters are identified by an official WMA sticker and seal, showing the date and time of verification. Any meter without these marks is considered unverified.
