5th International Conference on Rain Water Cistern Systems
"Rainwater Catchment for Future Generations"
Keelung, Taiwan, R.O.C. - August 1991

Section 10: Country Reports and Future Outlooks

Page 632

Utilization Of Rain Water In Tanzania

Datius G. Rutashobya
Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals, Tanzania

Abstract

Rain water has been in use in Tanzania for ages, but not as a significant source of rural or urban water supply. Being a poor developing country, it is faced with ,a number of problems which renders services like water supply difficult to achieve satisfactorily.

This paper looks at roof top rain water harvesting as a relatively cheap and appropriate technology that can either solve water scarcity problems or at least reduce them in Tanzania. It traces the historical background of rain water harvesting in Tanzania and points out why the method has or hasn't been adapted in different parts of the country. It looks at the present situation in Tanzania as pertaining to the availability of water for various uses, both in the rural and urban areas. It further highlights on the research efforts being currently undertaken in the country in the area of rain water catchment. The paper attempts to justify the need of popularising the utilization of rain water in Tanzania, in order to supplement the conventional waiter supply endeavours by the government.

Finally, the paper points out the problems that have rendered the technology unpopular in some parts of the country and why it is not widespread as a major water source.

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