DODOMA: THE government has directed water authorities nationwide to work closely with communities and security organs to curb vandalism of water infrastructure, including rising cases of stolen customer water meters.
Water Minister Jumaa Aweso issued the directive in Dodoma while addressing staff of the Dodoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DUWASA), stressing that the government would not tolerate acts that sabotage public investment.
Mr Aweso said theft of meters and destruction of pipelines were increasing but insisted that the challenges were manageable through strengthened collaboration with citizens and law-enforcement agencies.
“A customer is given a meter today and it goes missing the next day. This issue has not defeated us. Water authorities must work closely with the public and security organs to end it,” he said.
He directed water authorities to improve customer service, saying delays in new connections must stop.
“No customer should wait beyond seven days for a water connection. It is unacceptable to connect people after six months or through backdoor arrangements,” he said.
The minister reminded workers that addressing public complaints is part of their core responsibility and cautioned them against normalising water shortages.
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He also ordered the establishment of task forces to reduce water loss through leakages and introduce systems to prevent recurring wastage.
Mr Aweso said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made major strides in expanding water access and stressed that the sector must intensify efforts in her second term.
He instructed DUWASA to prioritise water access in Dodoma’s outskirts given the city’s national status.
Water access has increased from 68 per cent in 2020 to 88 per cent through government support.
President Samia allocated 62bn/- to DUWASA for the second phase of the Nzuguni Water Project, drilling of 25 boreholes and the second phase of the Nala project.
Mr Aweso called on DUWASA to ensure effective supervision of the projects and address gaps in areas including Nkuhungu, Ndachi, Miganga, Mkonze, Swaswa, Chidachi, Mpamaa and Iyumbu.
He emphasised that shortand long-term strategic projects must ensure reliable water supply for 1.08 million residents.