What You Need to Know
Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba visited the Ruvu River water source to inspect the Kidunda Dam and Kimbiji-Mtera project. DAWASA CEO Mkama Bwire emphasized the need for swift completion of the dam to increase water production and address supply shortages in Dar es Salaam, where residents have reported clean water shortages.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Chief Executive Officer of the Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA), Mkama Bwire, has called for the speedy completion of the Kidunda Dam construction to ensure a reliable source of water from the Ruvu River.
Bwire made the remarks today, December 29, 2025, before Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, who visited the Ruvu River water source to inspect water production and service delivery.
He said completion of the dam would enable DAWASA to increase water production from 270 million litres to 360 million litres daily, a move expected to help reduce the water supply deficit facing the city of Dar es Salaam.
“The construction of this dam will allow us to increase water production from 270 million litres to 360 million litres, thereby reducing the gap we currently face,” he said.
He noted that water availability from the Ruvu River has improved compared to the past, but challenges remain in storage due to the large volumes of water being lost.
Bwire explained that previously water production stood at 2,400 litres per second, but has now reached 29 million litres per second, with DAWASA abstracting 5,000 litres for use while the remaining volume flows into the ocean.
He said this situation underscores the importance of having a storage dam to properly harness water for use during periods of high demand or drought.
Speaking on strategies to increase water production, Bwire said DAWASA is continuing to implement the second phase of the Kimbiji–Mtera water project, which aims to expand water sources and improve services for residents of Dar es Salaam.
He added that the project will help ensure water availability when challenges arise in other sources, particularly groundwater.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when some residents in various parts of Dar es Salaam have been complaining about shortages of clean and safe water.
The Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA) has been working to improve water supply in the city, which has faced significant challenges due to rapid urbanization and population growth. The Kidunda Dam project is part of broader efforts to enhance water infrastructure and ensure reliable access to clean water for residents, particularly during periods of drought or high demand.
The Kimbiji-Mtera project is another critical initiative aimed at expanding water sources and improving service delivery. As urban areas continue to grow, the need for sustainable water management practices becomes increasingly important to meet the demands of the population and mitigate the risk
