DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 11 -- THERE is little comfort in turning on a tap only to find it dry, or worse, to see water flowing that is unsafe for drinking. For many households, access to water remains a daily struggle, reminding us that progress in the water sector must be measured by more than figures on paper.

The government and stakeholders should ensure that every Tanzanian receives clean, safe and reliable water whenever needed and at an affordable cost.

Indeed, the Controller and Auditor Generals latest audit reports that non-revenue water averaged 35 per cent nationally in 2024/25, up from 32 per cent a year earlier. For instance, in Dar es Salaam, losses reached 53 per cent, while 28 water authorities exceeded the regulators 20 per c...