Joseph Isangura
In a determined effort to resolve long-standing water shortages in Kinyerezi, Dar es Salaam, the Deputy Mayor of Dar Es Salaam city and Kinyerezi Ward Councillor, Hon. John Ryoba Mrema, has taken bold steps by partnering with DAWASA — the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority — to improve water access for residents.
The initiative comes after months of complaints from community members who have struggled with unreliable water supply. During a recent on-site inspection, Mrema, accompanied by DAWASA officials led by Kinyerezi area manager Engineer Antony Budaga, toured several water points across the ward to assess the situation firsthand.
Residents openly shared their frustrations, with many revealing that they receive water only once a month, while others have gone four to five months without any supply at all. The shortage has affected daily life, hygiene, and small businesses that depend heavily on water.
Speaking to the community, Mrema stressed that such hardships are unacceptable in a growing urban center like Dar es Salaam.
“Clean and reliable water is a basic human necessity. Our people should not be forced to suffer for months without this essential service. This problem must be fixed permanently,” Mrema said.
He urged DAWASA to move swiftly in upgrading infrastructure, repairing faulty systems, and ensuring fair distribution across all neighborhoods of Kinyerezi. Engineer Antony Budaga assured residents that technical teams would immediately begin reviewing damaged lines, pressure issues, and meter problems to restore consistent supply.
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During the visit, officials inspected water meters, pipelines, and main distribution points while taking note of every concern raised by residents. Mrema emphasized that this partnership is not about short-term promises but about delivering lasting solutions that will benefit the community for years to come.
The visit was also attended by Hon. Agnesta Kaiza, Member of Parliament for Segerea, who voiced strong support for the initiative. She praised the Deputy Mayor’s hands-on leadership and encouraged DAWASA to prioritize Kinyerezi as a key area in ongoing water improvement projects.
Together, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no household in Kinyerezi is left behind when it comes to access to clean water.
Residents welcomed the intervention with optimism, applauding Mrema for listening directly to their struggles and taking real action. Many described his leadership as practical, compassionate, and focused on results rather than speeches.
Through this collaboration between city leadership and DAWASA, Kinyerezi is now on a clear path toward improved water infrastructure and better living standards. The initiative stands as a strong example of community-driven governance, where leaders engage with citizens, identify challenges, and work together to deliver real development.
