Technical and managerial issues in Water sector
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Adam O. Karia, Doglas Benjamin Mmasi, David Lyson Mkondya
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20 November 2025
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Infrastructure Condition Index Assessment of Water Supply Systems in Rural Tanzania: A Case Study of Namtumbo and Rwinga Wards
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56542/w.jwempo.v2.i2.a1.2025
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Keywords:
Infrastructure assessment, Infrastructure Condition Index (ICI), Intake structures, Storage tanks, Pipeline networks.
Abstract
This study addresses the critical knowledge gap in systematic assessment and maintenance of existing rural water infrastructure in “sub-Saharan Africa,” where other studies focused primarily on access expansion rather than condition monitoring of operational systems. A comprehensive Infrastructure Condition Index (ICI) assessment method was employed in Namtumbo and Rwinga Wards, Tanzania, utilizing systematic field surveys, technical evaluations of storage tanks, intake structures, and pipeline networks. Statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel with Data Analysis ToolPak and R Statistical Software for descriptive statistics, weighted averages, and box plot visualizations. Results revealed alarming infrastructure deterioration with an overall average ICI score of 3.2, categorizing most facilities as "Poor" condition. Critical findings include the severely affected Minazini storage tank (ICI: 2.1) with 15-20% capacity loss, aging 46-kilometer pipeline network with 30% unaccounted-for water losses, and structural failures requiring emergency intervention. The study recommends implementing an immediate emergency rehabilitation program with US$ 2.5–7.3 million or Tsh. 6.250-18.250 Billions funding allocation, establishing systematic infrastructure monitoring frameworks, and strengthening institutional capacity for evidence-based maintenance prioritization. This research provides a replicable methodology for rural water infrastructure assessment in Tanzania, aligning with Vision 2050,SGD6, and Africa's Agenda 2063, demonstrating proactive management's economic viability.
