DODOMA: BEFORE various regions of Tanzania began experiencing rainfall, widespread concern had emerged in several densely populated areas due to acute water shortages. Extended periods of dry weather had caused water levels in rivers, reservoirs and other water sources to decline sharply, leaving many communities struggling to meet their daily water needs.
Among the most affected were residents of Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial capital, where the scarcity of water created significant social and economic pressures. In Dar es Salaam, the impact was particularly severe on women and girls, who traditionally bear the primary responsibility for domestic water collection. Many had to spend long hours standing in queues, often waiting for several hours just to collect a few litres of water, which is essential for cooking, cleaning and other household activities.
The persistent shortage prompted the Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA) to introduce an emergency water rationing schedule. This measure aimed to ensure fair and equitable access to the limited available water and mitigate the hardships experienced by residents during the crisis. The scarcity also drove up the cost of water. A 20-litre bucket, which in normal circumstances would have been affordable, was sold at prices ranging from 500/- to 1,500/- depending on location.
The financial burden, combined with the time lost searching for water, exacerbated the challenges faced by households. Families were forced to adjust their daily routines, often compromising other essential activities, just to secure enough water for basic survival. Relief eventually arrived with the onset of rainfall. Following clear skies and rising humidity, the rains replenished rivers, reservoirs and other water bodies, helping to stabilise the situation and reduce the severity of the shortage.
While this temporary relief improved access to water, it also highlighted the urgent need for sustainable and long-term solutions to water scarcity ty across the country. In response to these challenges, the Tanzanian government has embarked on several mega water projects to ensure consistent and reliable access to water.
One of the most significant initiatives is the Kidunda Dam project, valued at 335.8bn/- and overseen by the Ministry of Water. According to the Minister for Water, Mr Jumaa Aweso, this flagship project is expected to provide a long-term solution to chronic water shortages in Dar es Salaam and the wider Coast Region, particularly during the dry season.
During his visit to the construction site of the dam on December 16, 2025, accompanied by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Mr Albert Chalamila, it was revealed that the modern mega dam had reached 40 per cent completion. Once finished, the dam is expected to significantly boost water supply capacity and enhance the reliability of water access for residents.
Despite government interventions, climate change continues to pose a serious threat to water security. Increasing temperatures, irregular rainfall pat terns and prolonged droughts ex acerbate water scarcity, creating additional social and economic pressures. Women and girls, in particular, face heightened domestic burdens and vulnerabilities due to water shortages, underscoring the importance of both government action and community involvement in mitigating these challenges.
The government has urged citizens to adopt practices that enhance water security at the household and community levels, particularly rainwater harvesting. The hardships experienced by Dar es Salaam residents during the water crisis serve as a reminder of the critical need for sustainable water management strategies. Understanding rainwater harvesting Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing and treating water obtained from rainfall.
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Although it is a traditional practice, it has gained renewed importance as a sustainable method for ensuring efficient and reliable water use. In Tanzania, where access to clean water remains a challenge in some areas, rainwater harvesting offers both households and institutions the opportunity to secure dependable water supplies.
Collected rainwater can be used for a variety of purposes, including both drinking and non-drinking uses such as cooking, laundry, irrigation and other eco nomic activities, depending on the scale of collection. The Water Resources Management Act No 11 of 2009 (Section 12) grants citizens the right to establish rainwater harvesting systems for domestic use within their proper ties, reinforcing the legal foundation for adopting such practices. In 2025, the Tanzanian government revised the National Water Policy to include strategies aimed at improving water resource development.
The up dated policy emphasises strong investment in water storage systems and rainwater harvesting technologies. It outlines several priorities to ensure reliable access to water nationwide, including promoting technologies for harvesting, treating and storing rainwater.
Aligned with this policy, the National Rainwater Harvesting Guidelines provide practical di rection for stakeholders involved in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems. These guidelines cover diverse collection methods, including rooftops, roads, small dams, large dams and ponds. Relevant stakeholders range from individual households and consultants to contractors, government
institutions, non-governmental organisations and private sector actors engaged in the rainwater harvesting value chain.
Benefits of rainwater harvesting
One of the primary benefits of rainwater harvesting is ensuring reliable access to water. By collecting and storing rainwater during the rainy season, households and institutions can reduce reliance on inconsistent municipal supplies or private vendors.
Properly stored rainwater can serve as a reserve during the dry season or in times of water scarcity, water authorities and conducting studies on operational and ad ministrative matters. The authority also undertakes inspections, reviews business plans, resolves customer complaints and ensures compliance with customer ser vice standards.
Addressing water production challenges
Routine ensuring a continuous supply for essential domestic, institutional and economic needs. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) highlights that rainwater harvesting can also help re duce water-related expenses. By relying on harvested rainwater for domestic and non-drinking purposes, households and institutions can lower water bills and ease financial pressures associated with purchasing water from utilities or vendors.
Additionally, rainwater harvesting promotes the efficient use of available water resources, reducing pressure on existing water systems and contributing to broader water conservation efforts. Environmental benefits include minimising surface run off, which can cause soil erosion and flooding and reducing the demand on groundwater, helping preserve ecological balance.
With climate change increasing the frequency of droughts, rainwater harvesting strengthens resilience, enabling households and institutions to adapt to unpredictable weather patterns and maintain access to water even during prolonged dry periods. Furthermore, it supports sanitation and hygiene by providing water for cleaning, laundry and irrigation, reducing the burden on limited potable water sources.
The role of EWURA in the water sector
Established under the EWURA Act, Chapter 414 of the Laws of Tanzania, in 2001 and operational from September 2006, EWURA regulates both the energy and water sectors. In the water sector, the authority is guided by the Water Supply and Sanitation Act of 2019, which grants it the mandate to oversee services provided by Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities nationwide.
EWURA’s responsibilities include issuing licences for water supply and sanitation services, developing and enforcing regulations, reviewing and approving tariffs, monitoring water quality analysing performance data from inspections by EWURA have revealed persistent challenges in water production, affecting access to services across Tanzania.
To address these issues, water authorities are encouraged to design and invest in alternative water sources, including rainwater harvesting systems. Institutions with high water demand, such as hospitals, schools, offices and camps, are advised to implement rainwater harvesting to meet their needs, particularly during the dry season.
EWURA continues to promote business planning for water authorities to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery. The authority also recommends continued government investment in projects that expand water production and distribution, emphasising rainwater harvesting as a key strategy for meeting rising water demand.
Additionally, EWURA supports initiatives to address climate change and its impact on water supply and sanitation services, ensuring that the sector remains resilient in the face of environmental challenges. The water shortage crisis in Dar es Salaam highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies in Tanzania.
While government initiatives, including mega projects like the Kidunda Dam, aim to improve long-term water supply, household-level interventions such as rainwater harvesting are equally essential.
By adopting these practices, Tanzanians can ensure reliable access to water, reduce costs, enhance resilience to climate change and contribute to environmental conservation.
The combined efforts of the government, regulatory authorities and citizens are vital to creating a sustainable water future for all.
Sauli Giliard is an environmental journalist specialising in climate-related issues. He can be reached through +255 714 082 648. Email: sauli.giliard@gmail.com