Suspension of Dar es Salaam water authority bosses linked to oversight failures in water infrastructure

Dar es Salaam. The suspension of two executives from the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa), including Acting Chief Executive Officer Kiula Kingu, has been prompted by multiple factors, notably inadequate oversight of water infrastructure.

On Sunday, June 30, 2024, Kingu and Dawasa's Director of Production and Water Distribution, Shaban Mkwanywe, were suspended on the directives of the Minister of Water, Jumaa Aweso.

This action was taken to facilitate an investigation into their unsatisfactory performance, which led to interruptions in water supply within their areas of responsibility.

Their suspension stemmed from a report presented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mwajuma Waziri, before Minister Aweso, the board members, Dawasa management, and the regional political committee.

The report followed an inspection tour by Ms Waziri of various water production facilities, including the Upper Ruvu and Lower Ruvu, as well as the main pipeline transporting water from sources to reservoirs.

Engineer Waziri conducted a two-day tour nearly a week after Mwananchi Digital reported on water availability issues in areas of Dar es Salaam.

The expose highlighted the challenges faced by residents, such as those in Msumi, Mbezi Ward, who resort to using cement to purify water before consumption.

Deputy Minister for Water Engineer Kundo Mathew visited various areas on March 20, 2024, to assess the water availability situation, following orders from Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.

On Sunday, Minister Aweso made an impromptu visit to Dawasa facilities. He inspected water reserve tanks in various areas, including the University of Dar es Salaam tank, Luguruni, Mshikamano, and Tegeta A.

Another team led by Dawasa board members visited Kigamboni.

After returning, an internal meeting was held, followed by a public session where Ms Waziri presented her findings.

"I started at Upper Ruvu, where, ideally, 180 million litres should be produced daily. I found some pumps not working and a lot of water wasted, making me question how we can achieve 180 million litres," she said.

She also inspected the main water pipeline that carries water to reservoirs and observed missing flow metres, devices that monitor water levels, being replaced with makeshift settlements.

"It appears there's been no oversight in these areas, with many water chambers leaking water. This problem isn't confined to the main pipeline; even urban water sources have been mismanaged," she noted.

She explained that in some places, people have established irrigation farms through illicit connections to the Dawasa pipelines without taking any action.

"Regarding government investment and machinery status, the Lower Ruvu facility is expected to produce 260 million litres daily, but some pumps aren't operational," she added.

"The government invested in machinery capable of producing 590 million litres daily, but due to inefficiencies in various sources, including Kigamboni, we currently produce 320 million litres daily, leaving a shortfall of 270 million litres," she explained.

She pointed out that Dawasa sells 210 million liters daily but loses 110 million liters according to data from the past six months.

This loss means they could potentially serve six million citizens if this water were available.

Upon reviewing their findings, she said, they concluded the main issue is inefficient production due to machinery defects.

"Secondly, we observed poor management and a lack of responsibility among executives. They've overlooked crucial details, resulting in poor decision-making," she said.

"Thirdly, we noted a significant backlog in service connections, with approximately 55,547 requests received and payments made for 6,891 connections pending," she stated.

She further highlighted a lack of professionalism among staff, noting that many provide inconsistent responses when questioned about their duties, some even mismanaging roles entrusted to them.

After Ms Mwajuma’s presentation, Mr Aweso, visibly annoyed, questioned Mr Mkwanywe about his absence during the Permanent Secretary’s visit.

After some deliberations, Mr Aweso invited the chairman of the board, retired General Davis Mamunyange, to address the gathering.

General Mamunyange remarked that the few areas they visited during their tour provided a clear picture of the dire situation concerning water supply in the city.

"I did not expect, and neither did my fellow board members, to find such a dire situation. It has shocked us. This is something we did not anticipate, and swift action needs to be taken," General Mamunyange said.

He mentioned that the board of directors will convene a meeting to work on the directives given by the minister.

After General Mamunyange concluded his remarks, Minister Aweso stated, "I must take action because I receive numerous complaints from Dar es Salaam. As you know, if Dar es Salaam lacks water, we have nowhere else to turn."

Minister Aweso requested the Dawasa board to agree to the suspension of Acting Chief Executive Officer Kiula Kingu and Engineer Shaban Mkwanywe, pending an investigation.

He challenged the duo to explain to the board why there is no water in the reservoirs despite the availability of water at the sources, adequate power supply, and the functioning of the pumps.

He stated that during the suspension period of these leaders, Dawasa will be under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Water.