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Public must help DAWASCO reach its goals
2005-07-26 08:09:52
By Editor
Launchung the first Board of Directors of the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Corporation on Friday (DAWASCO) the Minister for Water and Livestock Development Edward Lowassa said that the new water authority must strive to meet the expectations of both the government and the consumer.
To the government, the corporation must collect enough revenue according to plans. To the consumer, DAWASCO must ensure that water flows from the taps as often as possible.
First by introducing a rationing system that would favour no area and later, after rehabilitating the infrastructure, ensure a continuous flow of water from the taps in all areas of the city.
This might indeed seem to be a tall order for the newly established company. It has stepped into shoes that are not only tattered but also too tight for their comfort, what with dilapidated infrastructure, low distribution capacity and rampant illegal connections, among the numerous problems.
On the other hand there are numerous complaints from consumers about hiked water bills and preferential rationing of water.
DAWASCO is indeed a new local initiative that faces an uphill task to succeed where its predecessors failed.
More importantly, the staff and the management are determined to beat the odds and meet the expectations. That is their resolve.
We understand that the corporation has set for itself 100 days to address the water problems in the city. As such, it would like the customers to exercise some patience as things are being sorted out to realize the set target.
We all know the condition of the water supply infrastructure in the city of Dar es Salaam.
A good portion of it has never been repaired for decades. We do not wish to see a situation whereby the corporation fails to meet its target despite its dedication.
The water situation in Dar es Salaam has been so bad that many people have even forgotten when the last time they saw water flowing from their taps.
In fact, when you talk about it, some people think perhaps it is only a big joke, as the city has now become synonymous with water shortage.
While taking over from City Water, DAWASCO Chief Executive Alex Kaaya told the Board that less than 50 per cent of all the water pumped to the city reaches consumers due to leakages.
Experience has shown that most of the pipes that supply water to homes and factories are often vandalized.
In some parts, proof that the area has been supplied with water are the numerous pools on the roadside and several streams of water running alongside the pipes.
Residents in the area know who is responsible for the damage and must thus work together to plug these leakages. DAWASCO can do much only if consumers help in curbing vandalism. This can be done with help from people living in the neigbourhood, to make sure pipes are well protected.
By working to stop vandalism of water supply pipes and illegal connections consumers would be giving DAWASCO a chance to meet their targets and supply city residents.
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