MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, has directed all water supply and sanitation authorities across the country to intensify efforts in reducing non-revenue water (NRW), warning that persistent losses continue to undermine service delivery and national water investments.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 10th Board of Directors of the Dodoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority, Aweso said a recent Ministry of Water assessment revealed uneven performance among water utilities, with some regions showing progress in managing water losses while others continue to struggle with significant inefficiencies.
He stressed that reducing water loss is not only a technical requirement but a core performance indicator for directors and managers of water authorities. According to him, leadership accountability in the water sector will increasingly be measured by how effectively institutions ensure that treated water reaches consumers rather than being lost through system failures.
“I strongly urge our water authorities to take decisive steps in reducing water loss. The true satisfaction of a water director lies in ensuring citizens receive reliable water services,” Aweso said, emphasizing service delivery as the central benchmark of success.
Non-revenue water, which includes losses from leakages, illegal connections, meter inaccuracies, and system inefficiencies, remains one of the most persistent challenges in Tanzania’s water supply chain. Despite continued investment in infrastructure expansion, officials acknowledge that a significant portion of treated water never reaches end users or is not billed, reducing revenue for reinvestment in the sector.
Also Read; Dollar Grip Faces Quiet Challenge From Rising Alternatives
Aweso warned that such losses directly affect the government’s ability to expand water access, particularly in fast-growing urban areas where demand continues to rise. He noted that while infrastructure development has improved supply coverage in many regions, inefficiencies in distribution systems risk slowing down overall progress.
The minister also called for stronger collaboration between water authorities and local government leaders, particularly through regional and district security and defense committees. He said protecting water infrastructure has become a national priority, especially in areas where vandalism, theft, and illegal connections continue to disrupt supply systems.
He further emphasized the need for strict legal enforcement against individuals and groups involved in damaging water infrastructure or engaging in illegal water use. According to him, existing laws must be applied decisively to deter actions that compromise public services and government investment.
Water sector analysts note that Tanzania’s push to reduce non-revenue water reflects a broader shift toward efficiency-driven public service management. While significant investments have been made in dams, pipelines, and treatment plants over the past decade, operational inefficiencies remain a key barrier to achieving universal and reliable water access.
Authorities argue that addressing NRW could significantly improve financial sustainability within water utilities, allowing more resources to be redirected toward expansion projects, maintenance, and service improvements.
