Joseph Isangura
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially waived all penalty fees associated with unpaid water service bills across Tanzania. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to make basic services more accessible, particularly for low-income households.
The announcement was made in the Parliament of Tanzania on Thursday by Jumaa Aweso, Minister for Water, while presenting the ministry’s proposed revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2025/2026 financial year.
“President Samia has graciously forgiven all water service penalties,” Aweso stated during the session in Dodoma, the nation’s capital. “We urge all affected citizens to visit their respective Water Authorities and have their services restored. The deadline for this grace period is May 31, 2025.”
The waiver covers all customers, including those whose water connections were severed due to nonpayment. According to Aweso, the initiative is part of a wider plan to expand access to clean water in both rural and urban areas and reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring water remains a basic human right.
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Tanzania has long grappled with issues surrounding water infrastructure, including drought, outdated systems, and rising demand in urban centers like Dar es Salaam. This latest initiative signals a push by the government to address not only the physical limitations of water supply but also the financial barriers faced by its citizens.
Since taking office in 2021, President Samia has prioritized social services and infrastructure development, championing efforts that support economic inclusion and national welfare. Her administration has consistently emphasized responsive governance and citizen-focused reforms.
The Ministry of Water is expected to work closely with local authorities to implement the directive smoothly and ensure that no citizen is left behind due to bureaucratic hurdles or lack of information.
For detailed steps on how to reconnect water services or check eligibility for the amnesty, citizens are encouraged to contact their regional water utility offices or visit the Ministry’s website.
