Water authorities in Dar-es-Salaam are planning to work with an Israeli consortium in constructing two reverse osmosis desalination plants to alleviate water shortage in the Tanzanian commercial capital.
The Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Corporation chief executive officer, Engineer Jackson Midala, said yesterday that the plant will supply desalinated water at 100 million m³/d. He said the project was expected to start any time from now, but declined to disclose its total cost.
The Dawasco chief said the initiative aimed to reduce over dependence on water from the Ruvu River. The river is projected to meet over 90% of the demand for clean and safe water in the region.
Midala said dwindling traditional water sources and growing settlement and industry along the Ruvu river banks have reduced its capacity to meet the daily water demand in Dar .
Midala said: “We are now working on securing land permits and electricity for the project to kick start.” Following surveys, Mbezi-Ununio and Kigamboni, emerged as recommended sites for the desalination plants.
Meanwhile, Midala said negotiations are underway for a Japanese technology firm to establish a similar project in the country.
The plants will be the first desalination plants to be built in the country, according to water minister, Professor Jumanne Maghembe. He said a similar project is to be established for Handeni town residents in Tanga region to boost their water supply.