The Minister of Water, Jumaa Aweso, has directed all water authorities in Tanzania to immediately begin securing land titles for sites hosting their infrastructure, emphasizing that the process must be completed within the current financial year.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024/25 Performance Assessment Report of Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities, Minister Aweso said each authority must submit to the Ministry of Water and the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) a clear work plan within 90 days showing the schedule for obtaining the titles.
“I cannot accept 1,352 water infrastructure sites operating without legal protection,” he said, urging boards to allocate specific budgets for land surveying and registration.
Authorities occupying land owned by other institutions must sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) within the same timeframe to avoid disputes that could disrupt water services.
Minister Aweso also announced plans for bulk procurement of water treatment chemicals to reduce production costs and ensure timely supply. He tasked the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, to coordinate with procurement agencies and water authorities to implement the initiative transparently and cost-effectively.
On sanitation, Minister Aweso described the situation as unsatisfactory, noting that only 29 percent of authorities have functional wastewater treatment facilities, while 71 percent rely on unsafe disposal methods.
He ordered all water authorities to submit regulatory fees to EWURA within 90 days, warning that these funds must not be diverted to operational costs or salaries.
“Compliance with 100 percent submission of regulatory fees will now be a key performance measure for directors and boards of water authorities,” he added.
Authorities failing to comply will face action under public service laws and regulations. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to working with EWURA, the private sector, and development partners to enhance water and sanitation services.
EWURA Director General Dr. James Andilile highlighted persistent challenges in the sector. Non-Revenue Water (NRW) has risen to 42.3 percent from 36.8 percent last year, more than double the acceptable level of 20 percent, resulting in estimated revenue losses of TZS 182.6 billion. Causes include aging infrastructure, water theft, and weak management.
Despite increased water production, coverage meets only 52 percent of demand, causing service shortages in many areas.
On average, citizens receive water for 14 hours per day, forcing some to rely on unsafe sources.
Financially, many authorities struggle to generate enough revenue to cover operations and maintenance, threatening service sustainability.
Additionally, 71 percent lack wastewater treatment facilities, contributing to environmental pollution and public health risks.
The lack of land titles poses a further threat to the protection and sustainability of water infrastructure, while private sector involvement remains limited due to negative perceptions.
As of March 5, 2026, TZS 5.69 billion in regulatory fees had not been submitted, prompting EWURA to call for collective measures, including improved performance, innovative revenue sources, public-private partnerships, and strengthened governance.
Dr. Andilile urged authorities to develop business plans, submit timely tariff adjustment requests, and enhance boards’ oversight of management performance.
Authorities are expected to improve service delivery with a focus on quality, transparency, equity, and sustainability.
Permanent Secretary Engineer Mwajuma Waziri emphasized that water is a basic service and a pillar of community well-being.
She noted that EWURA’s report provides critical operational insights, sustainability indicators, and guidance for improving infrastructure protection, water quality, and sanitation services.
“The report answers five key questions on service delivery and includes seven sustainability indicators,” she said, noting that it also encourages private sector participation, better customer service, and coordinated watershed management.
