The governance of municipal services in peri-urban areas: the case of water supply in Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania

The networked formal water in peri-urban areas is limited in urban Tanzania. Technical difficulties associated with extending water and sanitation infrastructure to peri-urban areas, problems in relation to land tenure, and economic costs are some of the elements that have contributed to the slow progress. However, there is scanty literature on the dynamics and governance of municipal services delivery in peri-urban areas, especially access to potable water and good sanitation. In addition, there is limited knowledge on the options for enhancing governance of water and sanitation services in the peri-urban areas in Tanzania. This paper is based on a case study of a settlement known as Muungano, in the peri-urban of Dar es Salaam City. The aim of the paper is to explore the governance of potable water and sanitation services. Specifically, the paper examines alternative options for improving the extent, affordability, and conditions of access to these services. The findings show that small scale water and sanitation providers (SSWSPs) are the main players in the provision of affordable water and sanitation services in the peri-urban settlements. It was further found out that the improved water and sanitation services contribute not only to better health, greater convenience and dignity (particularly for women), but also towards improved economic productivity. The results form an input towards policy measures that translate into action towards better access to improved governance of municipal basic infrastructure services in Peri-urban areas.