On March 21, 2019, the U.S. Government handed over water monitoring equipment to the Rufiji and Wami/Ruvu Water Basin Boards. The equipment and additional services will help the boards’ collect and analyze data on the quality and quantity of water. Improved water monitoring will aid the districts in making informed decisions on water allocation to sustainably manage and protect water resources for future generations.

In addition to the water monitoring equipment, the Water Boards received boats, computers, radios, rangefinders, and modems for field and office operations. Staff will be trained to use advanced hydrological monitoring software and hardware.

The equipment and services, worth 2.3 billion Tanzanian shillings ($980,000 USD), were provided by the Water Resources Integration Development Initiative (WARIDI), supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). WARIDI promotes integrated management of water resources and improved access to and delivery of water services.

“Because water plays such a critical role in reducing poverty, improving health, and increasing human productivity, it must be given a high priority by the government and donor community,” said Andrew Karas, Chargé d'Affaires, ad interim, of the U.S. Embassy.

Through WARIDI, the U.S. Government also provided the Ministry of Water with a tool and user guide for assessing the baseline capacity of Water Users Associations (WUAs), community-based institutions charged with water resources management. WUAs are mandated by law to acquire and operate water use permits, resolve water use conflicts, protect water sources, represent interests of users at community level, and to collect water user fees on behalf of the Basin Water Boards. The tool can be used for routine monitoring of WUAs and to identify measures to improve performance. It was developed through a participatory process involving representatives from Basin Water Boards, Local Government Authorities, the Ministry of Water, and local consultants.

To request more information, please call the U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam Press Office at Tel: +255 22 229-4000 or email: DPO@state.gov.

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The Water Resources Integration Development Initiative (WARIDI) is a five-year program funded by USAID. WARIDI works through national and local government authorities, the two Basin Boards, communities, private entities, and civil society to improve equitable delivery of water-related services and to enhance integrated watershed management from water basin to household level. The project also works to improve sanitation, create livelihoods in the water and sanitation sectors, and promote resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.

Read more about the project here:  https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1860/water-resources-integration-development-initiative-waridi.