THE Tanga Urban Water and Sanitation Authority (Tanga UWASA) has unveiled an ambitious strategic plan aimed at increasing water production capacity from 45 million litres to 60 million liters and expanding its water distribution network by 60 kilometers to improve access to clean water in the region.

Alawi Ahmadi, Tanga UWASA, director of customer service unveiled here over the weekend when speaking during a press briefing held as part of the ongoing Water Week celebrations, which began on March 16 and will run until March 22, 2025. This year’s theme is "Conservation of Natural Vegetation for Water Security."

Ahmadi stated that the goal of the plan is to improve water services and ensure access to clean water for all residents by implementing major infrastructure upgrades. Key projects include improvements in the Bwawani area, enhancements to the water treatment plant, and the expansion of the water distribution network across various regions.

“We aim to increase water production by 25 percent compared to the current capacity. At present, we produce 45 million litres, and we are targeting an additional 15 million litres to reach a total of 60 million litres from our existing plant capacity,” said Ahmadi.

He further explained that the water distribution network, which currently covers 862 kilometers, will be extended by an additional 60 kilometers to ensure broader service coverage within Tanga City and neighbouring areas.

The project, which began in July 2024, is expected to be completed by December 2025. Ahmadi reported that the project is already 15 percent complete, with all essential equipment having arrived on the site and contractors actively working at various locations.

“All required equipment had arrived, and the total cost of the project is 53.12bn/- raised through the sale of government-issued Green Bonds. Currently, service coverage stands at 93 percent for residents in Tanga City, Muheza, and Pangani,” Ahmadi added.

Ahmadi highlighted that Tanga UWASA is focused on addressing environmental challenges that threaten water security. Efforts will include reducing pollution of water sources, protecting natural vegetation, and minimising the costs of water treatment.

“We are committed to reducing the impact of pollution on water sources to improve the quality of drinking water and reduce treatment costs. Additionally, we will implement projects aimed at improving both clean water supply and sanitation services,” he noted.

Tanga UWASA will also roll out educational initiatives during the Water Week to raise awareness about water conservation and service improvements.

“We are dedicated to enhancing customer service by providing information through media channels, customer service desks, and home visits. We will also offer a waiver on reconnection fees for customers whose water supply had been disconnected and introduce instalment payment plans for customers with outstanding bills,” Ahmadi said.

Speaking on infrastructure upgrades, Engineer Salum Hamis, the acting director of water distribution and sanitation at Tanga UWASA, outlined plans to increase the capacity of the water pumping station from 42,000 liters per day to 60,000 liters per day.

The project also involves the construction of a new 600-millimeter pipeline from the pumping station to Mowe water treatment facility to complement the existing 600-millimeter pipeline.

“Mowe treatment plant, which currently has a capacity of 45,000 cubic meters per day, will be upgraded to handle 60,000 cubic meters per day,” Hamis said.

The expansion project is driven by growing water demand in Tanga, fuelled by rapid population growth and increased water needs from local industries and large-scale government projects.

To support the initiatives, the government issued 53.12bn/- Green Bond to Tanga UWASA. The funds will be used to double water production and treatment capacity, reduce water loss, expand the water distribution network, and install smart meters.

Additional efforts include connecting new customers, establishing new water kiosks, and improving overall service efficiency.

With the completion of these projects, Tanga UWASA aims to establish a more reliable and sustainable water supply system, ensuring that all residents in Tanga City, Muheza, and Pangani have consistent access to clean and safe water.