Old problems and a new possibility for Dar es Salaam’s water supply

Abstract

Dar es Salaam had long been struggling with the unreliable Ruvu River as its main source of water and a rapidly growing demand for water. The discovery of the Kimbiji aquifer, found at considerable depths under the city, created prospects of an improved water supply. This study was conducted to investigate possible societal impact of the groundwater on water users by establishing the current water situation for households and their ability to access the water as well as to analyse the robustness of the water management system. The water consumption levels were low and decreasing for piped households, an even lower, but increasing for unpiped households. The difficult water situation created a burden on health, time and finances and resulted in highly complex supply chains and the utilisation of diverse sources of water. The connection costs as well as lack of infrastructure created major obstacles for groundwater to reach households. The deep groundwater presented a unique opportunity for additional households to be served by a public water supply network and for more water to reach those already connected; however, issues of funding, expansion of infrastructure, customer behaviour and managerial challenges had to be addressed in order for people to have an equal and affordable access to water.