WMA INSTALLS A MODERN SYSTEM TO VERIFY WATER METERS IN DODOMA.

Veronica Simba – WMA

The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has installed a modern digital system for verifying water meters at its Headquarters building in Dodoma City.

Speaking on the installation, the Manager for Verification of Measurements and Standards at WMA Headquarters, Mr. Magesa Biyani, said the system—installed at a cost of approximately TZS 400 million—will enable faster and more accurate approval and verification of water meters. This will support the many water projects currently being implemented across the country, including in Dodoma Region and neighboring regions.

Speaking to WMA journalists on February 3, 2026, Biyani stated, “This system has come at the right time to ensure that traders and Water Authorities comply with the requirement that all water meters installed for customers in their areas must be verified by WMA, so that citizens receive services that correspond to the value of the money they pay.”

Elaborating further, he explained that the new system has the capacity to verify a larger number of water meters simultaneously in a shorter period, unlike the previous mechanical test benches which could verify only 10 water meters at a time and required between 20 to 30 minutes.

He added that this system, together with two others of the same type already installed at the Measurements Verification Centre in Misugusugu, Coast Region, has collectively brought significant benefits. These include verifying more water meters with greater accuracy and within a shorter time compared to the period before their installation.

Giving an example, Biyani said that at the Misugusugu Centre—where such systems were installed earlier than in Dodoma—between 200,000 and 300,000 water meters are now verified annually, depending on demand arising from the increase in strategic projects.

“Therefore, it has brought substantial benefits and helped ensure value for money for customers/citizens, Water Authorities, traders, and even the national economy,” he emphasized.

Explaining WMA’s role in the approval and verification of water meters, Biyani noted that this is one of the Agency’s core responsibilities in verifying various types of measurements nationwide, with the aim of protecting consumers.

He explained that WMA approves and verifies measurements on behalf of the Government. With regard to water meters, any private trader or company, before importing or manufacturing such products, is required to submit a sample to WMA for verification of its design. Once approved, all imported or manufactured meters must be submitted for individual verification to confirm their accuracy.

Biyani further clarified that this process is intended to protect both parties—the customer and the seller—so that neither is cheated. Verified water meters enable customers to pay the correct amount based on actual consumption, while sellers receive fair payment corresponding to the services they provide.

Responding to a question on WMA’s plans to expand the service nationwide, Biyani said that the Agency’s Five-Year Strategic Plan starting in 2026 includes installing similar modern systems in all remaining zones of the country. These zones include the Northern Zone, Lake Zone, Western Zone, and Southern Zone.

However, he emphasized that the absence of modern systems in those zones does not mean that verification services are not being provided. Instead, the work continues using mechanical systems and portable test kits, which WMA officers across the country carry with them to various locations to verify water meters.

In another development, Biyani encouraged measurement stakeholders in Dodoma Region and neighboring areas—especially those in the water sector—to take advantage of the availability of this modern system by submitting their water meters to WMA for verification and approval.

Biyani warned that it is a legal offence for any person to install and/or use a water meter that has not been verified by the Weights and Measures Agency. He noted that penalties range from a fine of TZS 100,000 up to TZS 20 million for a first offence, and from TZS 20 million to TZS 50 million for a second offence, depending on the nature of the violation.

He stated that, according to the law, the cost of verifying a water meter is only TZS 10,000 per unit, while design approval costs TZS 50,000.

The Weights and Measures Act, Chapter 340, through its various regulations, requires WMA to verify water meters at least once every year. In addition, the Agency conducts surprise inspections to detect fraud and take appropriate action.

WMA has continued to provide education to measurement stakeholders and the general public in various areas, including how to identify a verified measuring instrument. For water meters, verification is confirmed by the presence of a seal and a WMA stamp showing the date, month, and time of verification. Any water meter without a WMA seal and stamp is considered unverified.