Transforming Water Management in Makonde: The Impact of Prepaid Meters
Philip Tamba — March 2025
Before DMDO’s Intervention with the Prepaid Meter system
For years, communities relying on the Makonde Water System faced significant challenges in water access and management. Financial losses, disputes over usage and inefficient service delivery made it difficult for the system to function effectively. Many households used water without timely payments, making it hard for local Community-Based Water Supply Organisation (CBWSO) to maintain infrastructure. Additionally, conflicts often arose when some families used more than their fair share while others struggled with shortages.
Idrisa Abilahi, the CBWSO Manager, recalls the difficulties:
"There were times when we couldn’t repair water infrastructures because we had no funds. Some people would take more water than others, causing conflicts. It was a tough situation."
The DMDO Intervention: Implementing Prepaid Water Meters
Water Distribution Point with Pre-paid meter system at Lindwandwali
Recognising these challenges, the DMDO in partnership with World Vision Tanzania intervened with a sustainable solution: prepaid water meters. This innovative approach aimed to improve revenue collection, enhance water distribution fairness and empowered CBWSOs to manage resources efficiently. Currently, six villages in the Mandwangwa ward are using prepaid meter system. There are 33 Public Distribution Points with Prepaid Meter system and 22 household connection Prepaid Meters. In these six villages with the Prepaid Meter system, the CBWSO serves a total population of over 18,124 residents.
Idrisa Abilahi, the CBWSO Manager at the water Distribution point at Lindwandwali a village in Mandwangwa ward
The transition brought several key improvements:
Reliable Revenue Collection: Households prepay for water, allowing CBWSOs to collect sufficient funds for system maintenance and improvements.
Fair Distribution: Every family receives water based on prepayments, reducing conflicts over access.
Reduced Water Wastage: Users only consume what they have paid for, promoting responsible usage.
Strengthened CBWSO Operations: With consistent income, CBWSOs invested in essential equipment, such as motorcycles, to improve service delivery.
The impacts of Pre-paid Meters to the Community
The shift to prepaid meters has transformed daily life for residents. Water shortages have decreased, conflicts over usage are rare and service efficiency has improved significantly.
Bi Mariamu Seif, a local resident, shares her experience of the water situation before and after DMDO intervention:
"Before, some people would overuse water while others got nothing. Now, we all get water fairly and our community is happier."
Now the CBWSOs have become more independent and financially stable, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the water system. With the success of prepaid meters in Makonde, a village in Mandwangwa ward, efforts are now focusing on expanding the system to other areas. By empowering CBWSOs and ensuring fair water distribution, DMDO and Makonde Water Systems are demonstrating how modern technology can transform essential services, improving the quality of life for all.
