How Dawasco new system will curb overbilling

Dawasco has introduced a new prepaid system in an effort curb overbilling of their customers by some unscrupulous officials.

What you need to know:

According to the Dawasco managing director, Mr Cyprian Luhemeja, plans were afoot for the company to install pre-paid billing devices to all its customers.


Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasco) yesterday introduced a new prepaid system in an effort curb overbilling of their customers by some unscrupulous officials.

Before the launch of the new system, Dawasco installed a pre-paid billing device at the house of the minister for Water and Irrigation, Prof Makame Mbarawa.

Speaking during the launch, Prof Mbarawa said the new system will increase Dawasco’s revenues besides instilling proper water usage discipline.

“I am quite sure that with this payment system, the authority will collect enough money, which will help expand its services to other areas of the city,” he said.

According to the Dawasco managing director, Mr Cyprian Luhemeja, plans were afoot for the company to install pre-paid billing devices to all its customers.

“We will install the system wherever our new customers are. However, for those who are still using the old meters, they will continue using them as the company comes with a plan to replace them. Ultimately, all customers will be using the new meters in the near future,” said Mr Luhemeja.

Speaking when the system was being connected to a pipeline that delivers water to the Dar es Salaam Port, Prof Mbarawa issued a directive to port officials to stop using water from the bowsers. The minister called on them to make us of water, which is distributed by Dawasco.

“We actually don’t know where the water from these bowsers come from. It is potentially dangerous for your health and when tragedy strikes because using unsafe water, blames will be levelled against all of us,” he said.

The minister, who assumed his new roles after a recent cabinet reshuffle, also issued a two-month ultimatum for all those who have illegal connections to the Dawasco pipeline. “For those who have illegal connections to Dawasco pipelines, I give them two months to either disconnect or surrender. The authority will install the new system for them and they will access water regularly, “ he warned.