Joseph Isangura
The Tanzanian government is stepping up efforts to modernize the water sector by expanding the installation of pre-paid water meters for households, businesses, and institutions across the country.
The initiative aims to tackle long-standing complaints over inaccurate and inflated water bills, while improving transparency and service delivery.
Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, said during a recent briefing that disputes over billing remain one of the major challenges facing the sector. He emphasized that the ministry is committed to implementing practical strategies to ensure that water services are fair, efficient, and accessible to both urban and rural communities.
“Pre-paid meters give customers control over their water usage and help ensure that billing is accurate. They also allow us to detect and address water losses more effectively,” Minister Aweso explained. He added that new water connections should be completed within seven days, highlighting the importance of speed and efficiency in service delivery.
The Ministry is also moving to strengthen digital systems across all levels of water management. By fully digitizing billing and monitoring, officials aim to reduce disputes, increase accountability, and provide citizens with real-time data on their water usage. These steps are expected to create a more reliable and transparent relationship between water providers and consumers.
Also Read; Rwanda Challenges Britain Over Abandoned Asylum Agreement
In addition, Minister Aweso outlined plans to develop alternative water sources to meet the growing demand and support ongoing infrastructure projects. Partnerships with the private sector will be reinforced to ensure sustainable investment in water supply and management, providing long-term benefits for communities.
Experts note that Tanzania’s approach mirrors global best practices, where prepaid water meters have been successfully used to improve customer satisfaction, conserve resources, and reduce operational inefficiencies. By giving customers better control over consumption, the system encourages more responsible use of water while ensuring fair billing.
The Ministry’s initiative also aligns with broader national goals for sustainable resource management and improved public service delivery. As more digital meters are installed, households and businesses are expected to experience fewer billing errors, faster connections, and enhanced transparency in water service operations.
“This is more than a technological upgrade—it is about building trust between citizens and the institutions that serve them,” Minister Aweso said. “Our goal is to provide reliable, equitable, and sustainable water services for all Tanzanians.”
