Tanzania: All Set for Lower Ruvu – Dar Pipe Project

THE Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa) has signed a contract worth 120bn/- with a Chinese company, Cino-Hydro, for installation of water pipes from Lower Ruvu station to Dar es Salaam.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam , the Dawasa Acting Director General, Eng Boniface Kasiga, said the project was scheduled for completion in the next 15 months and the supply would increase from the current 180,000 cubic metres a day to 270,000 cubic metres.

“There are four major water sources around Dar es Salaam supplying a total of 300,000 cubic metres for consumption in Dar es Salaam.”

He had more,”The average demand is 450,000 cubic metres.

The government through Dawasa has set aside 120bn/- for the laying out of steel water pipes with the diametre of 1.8 metres to cover a distance of 55 kilometres from Lower Ruvu to Dar es Salaam,” Eng Kasiga explained.Water sources referred to include: the Upper Ruvu, producing 82,000 cubic metres a day; Lower Ruvu (180,000 cubic metres); Mtoni producing 9,000 cubic metres and scattered deep wells (27,000 cubic metres).

“The intention is to expand all water sources to supply the city with 710,000 cubic metres bearing in mind that water uses increase day-by-day with the ongoing construction of industries and residential houses,” Kasiga clarified. Timing of the recently signed contract, he added, has been compatible with the ongoing water pump expansion project at Lower Ruvu station where more powerful water pumps will be installed.

“The new and old water pipes will continue supplying water to the city concurrently. The previously experienced water shortage in case of a rupture of the old concrete water pipes will no longer be experienced,” he clarified.Other improvements so far accomplished at Lower Ruvu which is the major supply station included expansion of water purification plant, installation of new pumps among others.

Interviewed residents of Sinza, Ubungo and Mbezi who anticipated reliable supply of water after being informed about the signing of the contract wished the project becomes operational and have the famous “mabomba ya mchina” giving running water after years of waiting.

Siombi Kwajo (44), a resident of Mbezi said availability of water in Dar es Salaam was still an issue of concern as residents in some parts of the city were obliged to buy water at hiked prices. “A 25 litre container is sold for up to 300/-. Let this project come true so that water blues end,” Kwajo said.

Edson Reuben (52), asked Dawasco to check on excessive leakages and monitor those behind the notorious illegal water connection, who seem to benefit at the expense of consumers.Commenting on the pipes, Dawasa spokesperson, Nelly Msuya said insufficient supply of water rendered the pipes ineffective but it was necessary to have them in place.

“Improvement and expansion at pump stations together with installation of water pipes with a wider diametre will ensure supply of water to the convenience of residents, especially those who were missing the service before,” Msuya clarified.Responding to the issue of hiked water prices from retailers, Eng Kasiga said scarcity usually leads to complications but the moment the supply improves some of the difficulties will disappear.