Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, has urged water authorities to address alarming water loss rates exceeding 36.8%, causing significant financial losses. He highlighted the need for strategic collaborations and improvements in infrastructure amidst rising water demand. Ongoing challenges in the water sector require comprehensive solutions to enhance water supply and sanitation services.
On March 19, 2025, during the launch of the 16th Performance Report of Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities for the 2023/24 financial year, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, urged action to address significant water loss impacting the country’s financial system. He emphasized the necessity for water authorities to implement robust strategies to mitigate losses that threaten the sustainability of the water sector.
The performance report revealed that water loss had reached 36.8 percent, equating to a financial loss of Sh114.12 billion, which exceeds the government’s acceptable threshold of 20 percent. Although this represents a slight decrease from 37.2 percent in the prior fiscal year, Dr. Biteko underscored the urgent need for initiatives to tackle this issue, as funds lost from uncollected revenue could otherwise finance substantial water projects.
Dr. Biteko highlighted significant incidents contributing to losses, specifically noting infrastructure problems and water theft. He cited areas such as Rombo (79 percent), Handeni (69 percent), and Mugango Kiabakari (68 percent) for their excessively high loss rates, while regions like Maganzo and Monduli reported losses as low as 4 to 13 percent. Severe water loss rates in select regions hinder citizens’ access to this vital resource.
Additionally, Dr. Biteko pointed out the financial strain caused by high water loss, stating that a significant percentage lost results in operational costs exceeding income. He called for strategic collaboration among all stakeholders, asserting that private sector participation is crucial for addressing these challenges and enhancing water infrastructure.
Despite a rise in water production to 685 million liters in 2023/24, an increase from 593 million liters the previous year, supply continues to fall short of consumer demand. The Deputy Prime Minister indicated a diminishing production-to-demand ratio and underutilization of infrastructure, with capacity utilization dropping to 53 percent from 56 percent. He called for improvements in both water supply and sanitation systems, citing only 11 authorities manage proper wastewater treatment networks.
Dr. Biteko stated that sanitation must be prioritized alongside water supply to ensure environmental sustainability. He mentioned the ministry’s guideline aimed at improving water availability and environmental hygiene, encouraging water authorities to adopt it.
Dr. James Mwainyekule, Director General of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), acknowledged some improvements in water authority efficiency but highlighted ongoing challenges requiring government support. He urged authorities to adjust tariffs to reflect the actual costs of service provision and implement maintenance strategies to minimize water loss.
Prof. Mark Mwandosya, Chairman of the Ewura Board, noted the impact of water services on public health and educational outcomes, urging that improvements in water supply could significantly reduce water-borne diseases. As Tanzania navigates rising water demand and sector inefficiencies, a collective approach is needed to implement effective solutions across the country.
In summary, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, has called for urgent action to reduce alarming water loss rates that are detrimental to the financial viability and sustainability of the water sector. Increasing collaboration among stakeholders, focusing on both water supply and sanitation improvements, and addressing financial discrepancies is essential for overcoming the challenges presented by water loss and ensuring improved access to water for all citizens.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
