WATER Minister Jumaa Aweso has urged the Dar es Salaam Water and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA) to enhance communication with customers and come up with plans to expand its water network to benefit more citizens facing challenges.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday during a working session between DAWASA and Mtaa chairpersons in Kinondoni District, Aweso emphasised that effective communication will allow residents to receive official updates on water outages or pump malfunctions promptly. 

He noted that such communication improvement would alleviate public anxiety, as local leaders could provide accurate information about any water-related issues in their areas. Additionally, strengthening communication would allow leaders to address minor challenges related to water access due to their proximity to the people.

 "I encourage you to build stronger relationships with the leaders, as they serve as ambassadors and guardians of water infrastructure," he said.

 The minister also commended DAWASA for its efforts and urged them to act swiftly when addressing water challenges in certain areas.

 "Improved cooperation will help protect water infrastructure, as local leaders will safeguard the service with passion," he said.

 Aweso praised DAWASA for effectively managing the Bangulo water project, which is expected to increase water availability at Dar es Salaam’s   Kinyerezi and Tabata areas.

 "The availability of clean and safe water in all areas is a measure of your performance," he said.

 Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule emphasised the importance of water, stating that water woes can endanger people’s lives. He reported that the district's water supply is currently 97 percent and attributed this success to DAWASA's continuous monitoring and distribution efforts.

 "It is our duty to protect DAWASA’s infrastructure because without water, life will seem meaningless,” Mtambule said.

 Acting DAWASA CEO Mkama Bwire highlighted the value of collaborating with local leaders, noting that it would help address challenges in areas not yet reached by DAWASA. He also thanked the government for allocating significant amount of funds to expand water access in Dar es Salaam.

 Bwire stated that DAWASA is implementing big projects to ensure   water availability, and emphasised that local leaders will play   crucial roles in improving services.

 Kinondoni Municipal Mayor Songoro Mnyonge expressed confidence that local leaders' cooperation would strengthen protection of water infrastructure.