Residents in parts of Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region are expected to face water shortages for four days from November 3 to 6, 2026, as the Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Dawasa) undertakes maintenance of a major pipeline supplying water from the Ruvu Chini Water Treatment Plant.
The repairs will affect a 72-inch-diameter main pipeline, with water production at the treatment plant expected to decline by 60 percent over the 96-hour maintenance period.
In a statement, Dawasa Head of Communications, Ms Everlasting Lyaro, said the maintenance was part of efforts to strengthen water infrastructure ahead of potential disruptions associated with El Niño rains.
The reduction in production is expected to affect water availability in several parts of Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region, putting pressure on households and other water users who depend on the Ruvu Chini system.
Among the affected areas are Zinga, Kiromo, Dunda, Kisutu, Magomeni, Nianjema, Fukayosi, Makurunge, Kerege, Mapinga, Mbweni, Mabopwepande, Bunju, Kunduchi, Kawe, Mbezi Juu, Goba, Wazo, Makongo and Kijitonyama.
Others include Kinondoni, Makumbusho, Msasani, Mzimuni, Tandale, Ndugumbi, Kigogo, Kariakoo, Mchikichini, Upanga Magharibi, Gerezani, Upanga Mashariki, Mchafukoge, Jangwani, Kivukoni, Ilala, Mnyamani, Liwiti, Kilungule, Kilakala, Mianzini, Keko, Kurasini, Miburani and Chang'ombe.
Dawasa has urged residents in the affected areas to store adequate water before the maintenance begins and prioritise its use for essential household needs throughout the period.
The authority also appealed for public understanding, warning that customers could experience disruptions as technicians work on the pipeline.
The maintenance comes as water utilities face the need to strengthen critical infrastructure against extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall that can disrupt water production and distribution.
For households, the four-day exercise means planning ahead will be important to minimise the impact of reduced supplies on domestic activities and other daily needs.