Ruvu River is the primary source of water for Dar es Salaam and the Coast region, accounting for 87 percent of the supply.
Dodoma. The Dar es Salaam Water and Sanitation Authority (Dawasa) has moved to allay concerns following reports circulating online about a drop in the water levels of Ruvu River, which supplies the majority of the city’s water.
The authority has assured its customers that there is still sufficient water to continue meeting demand.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, marking the sixth phase government’s achievements, Dawasa's Acting CEO, Mr. Mkama Bwire, addressed the issue, clarifying that the reports were based on outdated data.
He confirmed that Ruvu River continues to maintain an adequate water level, currently standing at over 16.7 meters.
"A decrease of one meter in water levels typically takes several months to occur, so there is no immediate cause for concern," Bwire explained.
The authority also highlighted that forecasts from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) predict heavy rains, which are expected to replenish water levels in the river, ensuring a steady supply to meet the needs of the population.
Ruvu River is the primary source of water for Dar es Salaam and the Coast region, accounting for 87 percent of the supply.
The two regions are home to around 6.8 million people who rely on Dawasa for their water needs. Additional sources of water include Wami River (4 percent), Temeke Mtoni (2 percent), and deep wells located in Kimbiji, Kigamboni (3 percent).
Bwire further assured that the ongoing construction of the Kidunda Dam, a key infrastructure project aimed at addressing water scarcity, will help mitigate challenges caused by dry spells.
"The Kidunda Dam will provide a long-term solution for the Coast and Dar es Salaam regions, which have historically faced water shortages during the dry season," he said. The dam project is currently 28 percent complete and is expected to be finished by 2026, at a total cost of Sh336 billion.
In terms of infrastructure development, Dawasa has invested Sh1.2 trillion over the past four years, with Sh800 billion allocated to clean water projects and Sh400 billion for sanitation initiatives, benefiting around 2.8 million people.
Notably, Dawasa is also building a 101-kilometer sewage network in Mbezi Beach, an area previously lacking sewage infrastructure. The Sh132.2 billion project will include a sewage treatment plant that will recycle waste into gas and fertilizer, reducing pollution and providing valuable resources.
Water production has also seen a significant increase, rising from 544,000 cubic meters per day to 685,000 cubic meters. Dawasa's goal is to increase production to 1.2 million cubic meters per day to accommodate future demand.
Bwire urged residents of Dar es Salaam and the Coast region to be mindful of environmental conservation efforts to help mitigate the effects of climate change, which continue to impact water sources.
