Water shortage remains a hard problem in Dar es Salaam

Residents in several parts of Dar es Salaam say water pipes have stood in place for years without delivering water, forcing families to rely on wells and purchased supplies.

The complaints come as the government requires residents to receive clean and safe water around the clock. In areas of the city, however, households continue to face interruptions or no service at all. The shortages have increased costs and pushed some residents toward untreated water.

Mwananchi reported that residents of Msumi in Mbezi, Ubungo, once had to use cement and ash to clean water before it could be used. In Mitimirefu, Chanika, resident Rehema Habibu said water infrastructure had been installed more than three years ago, but her neighborhood had never received service.

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The pipes have been there for three years, but they do not provide water. What is the point of installing them? We continue to suffer looking for water. We do not have drinking water, so we buy tank water, and it is from a well.

“The pipes have been there for three years, but they do not provide water. What is the point of installing them?” Habibu said. “We continue to suffer looking for water. We do not have drinking water, so we buy tank water, and it is from a well.”

Dawasa communications head Everlasting Lyaro said the authority recognizes the problem. He said technicians were working on connecting water lines to increase pressure in the pipes and expected to complete the work by the end of the week. Residents in Mbagala also reported waiting for equipment needed to prevent air from filling the pipes and allow water from the Mtoni plant to reach them.

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Our technicians are on site and continuing this work. We expect to complete it by the end of this week so that service can continue as normal.