Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, has directed water authorities to implement strategies to address high water loss rates, currently at 36.8 percent, which incurs significant financial losses. Emphasizing the critical need for collaboration and investment in infrastructure, he also highlighted the importance of sanitation alongside water supply. Stakeholders must adopt urgent actions to meet the increasing demand while addressing inefficiencies in the sector.
On March 19, 2025, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, urged the nation’s water authorities to adopt formidable strategies to address alarming water loss and the resulting financial implications for the sector. His remarks came during the unveiling of the 16th Performance Report of Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities for the 2023/24 financial year, which indicated a water loss rate of 36.8 percent, leading to a financial loss of Sh114.12 billion, considerably above the government’s threshold of 20 percent.
While there was a slight reduction from the previous year’s loss of 37.2 percent, Dr. Biteko emphasized that the persistence of such high water loss levels poses severe financial challenges. He remarked that the lost funds from uncollected water revenue could potentially finance significant water projects. “The causes of this problem are not only related to infrastructure but also to theft. Water theft significantly sets us back, which means we still have a lot of work to do,” stated Dr. Biteko.
He identified several water authorities with extraordinarily high loss rates, such as Rombo at 79 percent and Handeni at 69 percent, while also commending better-performing authorities like Maganzo and Biharamulo, which reported losses between 4 to 13 percent. Dr. Biteko noted that where losses reach up to 70 percent, the actual water supply to citizens is severely compromised and urged investigations into these excessive loss rates.
Dr. Biteko articulated the financial strain caused by high water loss rates, stating, “If you invest in water production but lose 70 percent of it, the revenue collected does not match the expenditure.” He called for enhanced strategic plans and collaboration among stakeholders in the water sector, asserting that private sector involvement is essential to mitigate these issues. He encouraged officials to invest in infrastructure improvements, as current production levels only satisfy 45 percent of the demand.
Despite an increase in water production to 685 million litres in the 2023/24 financial year from 593 million litres in the previous year, demand continues to outstrip supply. The Deputy Prime Minister noted a decline in the production-to-demand ratio, which emphasizes that increases in production have not aligned with the rising demand.
Additionally, Dr. Biteko highlighted the need for strengthening sanitation infrastructure, as only 11 authorities possess effective wastewater treatment networks. He advocated for a comprehensive approach to enhance sanitation alongside water supply for a sustainable environment. “This issue is cross-cutting and must remain a priority in the water sector,” he asserted, indicating that pertinent guidelines for managing water supply and sanitation have been prepared.
Dr. James Mwainyekule, Director General of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), acknowledged the progress made by some water authorities but addressed persistent challenges, such as their reliance on government support. In light of this, Ewura has been collaborating with the ministry to provide training on alternative investment methods, including municipal bonds.
Another critical concern raised was the disparity in tariffs charged by water authorities, which often do not mirror the actual service costs. Ewura has been advising these authorities to seek tariff adjustments as per legal guidelines. The ageing infrastructure was cited as a significant cause of water loss, prompting Ewura to introduce maintenance enhancement strategies to ensure that produced water effectively reaches consumers.
Prof. Mark Mwandosya, Chairman of the Ewura Board, emphasized the widespread impact of improved water services on public health and educational outcomes, underscoring that better water access significantly reduces waterborne diseases. According to a recent National Bureau of Statistics report, over 70 percent of educational institutions now have water access, contributing to improved learning conditions.
As Tanzania confronts the pressing challenges of rising water demand and sector inefficiencies, both the government and relevant stakeholders must implement thorough solutions to address water loss and enhance service delivery across the nation.
In summary, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, has called for urgent actions to mitigate the high levels of water loss in the country, which stood at 36.8 percent, leading to considerable financial losses. He emphasized collaboration across sectors and the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to meet rising demand. The importance of sanitation infrastructure was also highlighted, reminding stakeholders of the multifaceted benefits improved water services can provide. As Tanzania strives to improve its water supply services, immediate and effective measures are crucial.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
