We recently discussed the ICSID decision concerning the dispute between Tanzania and Biwater. Here now comes a direct account of what it is like to actually lilve in Dar es Salaam and the struggle to obtain water - not due to actual water scarcity, but inadequate water delivery. According to this article, a great majority of residents depend on informal water suppliers. Of the approximately 300 million litres pumped into the urban water system daily, much of it is lost to leakage (from poor infrastructure) or illegal connetions:
"Of the 300 million litres that are pumped as little as 16 per cent is delivered to paying customers, the rest is lost to illegal connections and leakages. Imagine the problem to a city of around four million people. However, there is a lack of adequate water sources and resources to develop water points in the country according to UN Habitat.
Overall metering by the utilities is below 30 per cent, thus giving more customers room to waste or misuse water. Reports by this UN settlement agency show that there are high water losses which have a substantial effect on revenue collection and economies of water supply. The agency says with a proper water-demand management programme, aimed at reducing leakage, wastage and illegal connections, coverage could be increased without large capital investments."
Overall metering by the utilities is below 30 per cent, thus giving more customers room to waste or misuse water. Reports by this UN settlement agency show that there are high water losses which have a substantial effect on revenue collection and economies of water supply. The agency says with a proper water-demand management programme, aimed at reducing leakage, wastage and illegal connections, coverage could be increased without large capital investments."
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