Illegal water users deemed 'economic saboteurs'

Illegal water users in Dar es Salaam run the risk of facing charges of economic sabotage as the office of the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) concludes talks with the management at the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Corporation (DAWASCO) to bring to justice all the culprits.

 

Among suspected swindlers include some important hotels, guest houses, industries, business centres, apartments and construction sites that preliminary investigations revealed to have underground connections.

 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dawasco, Eng Cyprian Luhemeja said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the company spent over Sh900m monthly to foot electricity bills and about Sh800m for water treatment.

 

“There is no justification for continued loss of revenue through illegal connections. The income lost could be spent on various development projects. Water production, treatment, transmission and distribution is quite expensive. We (Dawasco) have to act tough against those behind illegal connections. Legal procedures are underway to make sure that the perpetrators face economic sabotage charges,” Luhemeja explained.

 

Clarifying on the extent of loss of water, he said that five months ago, at the time that he assumed office, non-revenue water due to aged infrastructure but largely as a result of illegal connections was 62.5 per cent. The trend has been brought down to 45 per cent and the target is to cut it down to less than 20 per cent in the next few months.

 

He also announced a 20 per cent bonus to anyone volunteering information leading to the arrest of people engaged in illegal water connections. Notorious places like Magomeni, Kagera, Manzese, Ubungo, Kimara did not escape his mention.

 

“Call my number 0762 740399, where one can give some details about the location of illegal water uses and identity will be completely protected. Reward is based on the penalty imposed on the culprit where 20 per cent goes to the informer and if convicted the reward is given accordingly,” the Dawasco chieftain elaborated.

 

He sounded confident that a new Dawasco was coming up ready to render quality services to all customers. However, he urged consumers to meet their obligations and clear their water bills accordingly to avoid unnecessary hassles. 

 

The Director of Operations, Eng Shaban Nkwame said that DAWASCO expects to have more water to release to consumers in the coming few months.

 

With completion of expansion work of the major water treatment plant in Lower Ruvu, in addition to other source like he Upper Ruvu water treatment plant and deep wells in Mpera and Kimbiji, the supply will increase to meet the target of 756 million litres of water per day in Dar es Salaam from the current supply of 300 million litres a day, he said.

 

He reminded city residents with unregistered family wells to make sure that the inventory was properly kept before April 01, 2016, the date set for the beginning of house-to-house inspection. Suppliers using trucks must do the same before that date.

 

DAWASCO Director of Business, Everanda Balatu requested customers to clear their bills through online, via Max-Malipo or through bank services, which curbs corruption. 

 

“Let the youth inquire from Magomeni Zonal Office to be assisted to open water kiosks to become registered Dawasco agents. They must be recognized by their respective local leaders before filing their applications,” she elaborated.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN