Arusha to channel water from Lake Duluti

The Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sewage Authority (AUWSA) intends to channel water into Arusha from Lake Duluti in the Meru district.

The water authority stated that it is taking the measure to meet the increasing demands for a clean water supply from Arusha's rapidly-growing population, now estimated at 1.2 million people. It claimed that although its service area has increased by over 100 per cent it is battling diminishing water sources due to climate change and poor environmental policies.

Lake Duluti is a large crater lake situated south of Tengeru on the Moshi road, 11 kms from Arusha's city centre. In addition to providing sanctuary to over 130 different species of birds, the picturesque lake has historical and spiritual value to the surrounding Meru communities. The authority has begun to pipe water from the Malala and Nduruma rivers, also in Meru District, and has plans to take control of environment conservation projects at Magereza and Burka areas.

With less than 30,000 official customers out of the city's 1.2 million inhabitants connected to the authority's service, Arusha's district commissioner Raymond Mushi said that AUSWA needs to prepare itself for the future. The water authority recently received international recognition for its clean and safe water supply and has overseen the installation of 6,000 new water meters.

Last year Arusha became officially recognised as a city, with the metropolis area expected to grow from 90 to 200 sq km.