Water shortage grips Dar amid rising temperatures

“I’ve been waiting for water for the third week. We do not sleep at night because we are waiting for it to flow, but it never does. The situation is bad since some of us can’t afford to purchase water every day,” he lamented.

The reliance on Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa) for water has been a lifeline for many families like Mbena’s, but recent weeks have seen that lifeline stretched thin, threatening their basic needs.

A resident of Mbezi Luis, Ms Beatha Moses, who also owns rental houses, echoes Mbena’s sentiments. “I don’t understand why some areas get water and others do not. First, the water supply rationing schedule is not well known or clear,” she said.

“The tenants in my houses have threatened to quit, and others are afraid to accept my houses because there is no water,” she voiced frustration evident in her tone. “The lack of water isn’t just a nuisance—it’s becoming a threat to livelihoods and stability.”

Meanwhile, in Tabata Segerea, Margreth Mbwana recounts her struggles. “I dislike using borehole water since it is unsafe, especially for children, but why is it becoming increasingly difficult for the government to offer essential services for people’s well-being?” she questioned, highlighting the dangers of resorting to alternative, unsafe water sources.

“The failure of the government to ensure basic amenities like water raises serious concerns about public health and well-being; we will die with our children unless the government acts now.”

The acting head of the Dawasa communications department, Everlasting Lyaro, pointed to external factors exacerbating the crisis, as pointed out by the agency’s acting chief executive officer, Mr Kiula Kingu, in an interview conducted by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) on February 19, this year. Mr Kingu attributed the water access challenges to the El Nino rains that wreaked havoc on infrastructure. “In general, 35 kilometres of our infrastructure, which consists of more than 55 parts, were taken by water. Therefore, we have continued with efforts to return the areas where the infrastructure was destroyed, and the water service has started to return,” he stated.

However, the scope of the problem extends beyond Dar es Salaam’s borders. In Mwanza, Esther Muyenjwa expressed her frustration with unfulfilled promises from the government.

“Until now, there has not even been a drop of water. The authorities are increasingly ‘deceiving’ us that they are dealing with the problem. Why is it that there has been no water until now?” She asks, mirroring the sentiments of many across the nation who feel abandoned.

At Singa village, Kibosho East ward, Moshi district, Kilimanjaro region, residents face a dire situation. Forced to drink contaminated water from the Karanga River due to rationing, they risk their health daily.

Similarly, in Lorbene village, Naberera ward, Simanjiro district, Manyara region, Alaice John recounts the arduous journey of travelling 20 kilometres to Landanai village in search of water, a testament to the lengths individuals are willing to go to secure this essential resource. While the government acknowledges the challenges and pledges solutions, the urgency of the situation demands swift and decisive action, according to a development expert, Dr Burure Bwire.

“For residents and countless Tanzanians who are feeling the pinch, they should be given solutions because life is itself becoming too tough in all areas. I know our current government has a dream of helping women access water. They will eventually find a solution to this as well.”