Tanzania’s Deputy PM, Dr. Doto Biteko, has highlighted the critical issue of water loss in the country, standing at 36.8 percent, resulting in Sh114.12 billion in financial losses. He emphasized the need for strategic action from water authorities to address both losses and enhance service sustainability. Collaboration among stakeholders and investment in sanitation infrastructure are also essential to meet growing demand and improve public health.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Tanzania and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has called for immediate action to address the concerning issue of water loss, which has significant financial implications for the country’s water sector. During the launch of the 16th Performance Report of Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities for the 2023/24 financial year on March 19, 2025, he highlighted that the current water loss rate stands at 36.8 percent, resulting in a financial loss of Sh114.12 billion, well above the government’s acceptable limit of 20 percent.
Dr. Biteko noted a small improvement from the previous year’s loss rate of 37.2 percent but deemed the levels still alarming due to their financial consequences. He indicated that the losses incurred from uncollected water revenue could fund significant water projects. Additionally, he identified infrastructure and theft as primary contributors to the problem, stating, “The causes of this problem are not only related to infrastructure but also to theft. Water theft significantly sets us back.”
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed to specific water authorities with excessively high water loss rates, including Rombo at 79 percent and Handeni at 69 percent. In contrast, he commended authorities such as Maganzo and Nzega for maintaining loss rates between 4 to 13 percent, demonstrating better management practices. Dr. Biteko emphasized the urgent need for each authority to investigate its losses and formulate effective remedies.
Addressing the financial strains imposed by these losses, he remarked that substantial investments in water production become unviable if 70 percent of the water is lost. He insisted on the necessity of strategic planning and cooperation among stakeholders in the water sector to address these challenges, urging for increased private sector participation. He also highlighted a significant gap in water production, stating that current levels only meet 45 percent of actual demand despite production increasing to 685 million liters in the 2023/24 financial year.
The report disclosed a downward trend in the ratio of water production to operational capacity, indicating the existing infrastructure is underutilized. Moreover, Dr. Biteko stressed the need to enhance sanitation infrastructure, with only 11 authorities currently having a proper wastewater treatment network. He called for an integrated focus on sanitation and water supply for improved environmental health.
Moreover, Dr. James Mwainyekule, Director General of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), acknowledged some efficiency gains while recognizing ongoing challenges, particularly the reliance of many authorities on government support. He mentioned Ewura’s initiatives to promote alternative investments, including municipal bond issuance.
Dr. Mwainyekule noted the problem of water authorities charging tariffs that do not reflect the actual cost of services. He suggested that these authorities should pursue tariff adjustments per the legal framework. Furthermore, old infrastructure continues to be a major factor in water loss, and Ewura is adopting maintenance strategies to enhance service delivery.
Prof. Mark Mwandosya, Chairman of the Ewura Board, reiterated the critical link between water services and public health, emphasizing that improved supplies can curb waterborne diseases. He indicated that more than 70 percent of educational institutions now have access to water, contributing positively to educational outcomes by allowing students to spend more time in school.
As Tanzania grapples with the challenges of rising water demand and sector inefficiencies, both the government and stakeholders must work collaboratively to implement comprehensive solutions aimed at reducing water losses and enhancing water supply across the nation.
In summary, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, has urged urgent action to mitigate the alarming financial losses due to high water loss rates in the sector. With current levels at 36.8 percent, exceeding the government’s acceptable threshold, strategic planning and collaboration among various stakeholders are essential. The focus must also balance improving both water supply and sanitation infrastructure to ensure sustainability and public health. Efforts to engage the private sector and adjust tariffs will further aid in overcoming these challenges.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
