Evaluation of the Physical Status of the Dam and Its Environments for Compliance with Dam Safety Guidelines

Abstract

While structural evaluations of medium-to-large government-managed dams are common, small public-owned dams like Mindu remain critically understudied despite their vulnerability to failures. This study evaluates the adequacy of existing risk management programs for aging dams in developing countries, with a focus on the Mindu Dam in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aims (1) to establish a global dam safety policy benchmark, (2) assess the rules and policies in place that govern dam safety, and (3) examine the compliance with and variation from dam safety guidelines. A prime example of neglected ageing infrastructure is Mindu Dam, a small, publicly owned project built between 1978 to1985 and official opened on 9th may 1985 for municipal water supply irrigation and Due to its deteriorating state, antiquated design guidelines, and close proximity to heavily populated areas, it has been designated as a "high-risk" dam. The study's methodology combines both quantitative and qualitative techniques: criteria for "minimum" to "best" standards are informed by a global policy evaluation of dam safety frameworks, such as World Bank guidelines. Field surveys, soil erosion evaluations, vegetation observation, through field inspections which were carried out for Mindu in 2023. Technical data was augmented by structured interviews with 45 stakeholders, including local residents and dam operators. The findings indicate systemic deficiencies, 80% of respondents identify that a reservoir perimeter experiences erosion from encroaching agricultural, 40% report that spillway capacity is below current flood projections, and 100% state that dam outlets show advanced corrosion. Because they lack regular monitoring and emergency response plans, risk management procedures fall short of even "minimum" criteria. The report incorporates World Bank recommendations into a tiered policy framework, giving institutional changes like required inspections for private dams and urgent repairs like outlet replacement priority. For ageing dams, this study emphasizes the need to switch from informal management to systematic risk-based methods. It offers policymakers in developing nations a repeatable model for addressing governance inadequacies in infrastructure by striking a balance between socioeconomic viability and technical rigor.