Tanzania

Background

The sustainability and reliability of access to water is one of the biggest challenges in the water sector. More than 1 billion people rely on hand pumps for their water supply. In Tanzania, it is estimated that more than 30000 water points are non-functional across the country, and in certain regions 30 to 50 percent of water sources are broken and abandoned. These water points would be sufficient to provide access to water for an estimated 7.5 million people. There is an urgent need for innovative new solutions for cost-effective and sustainable water supply. While several million US dollars are invested annually in new water systems, it is often forgotten that follow-up repairs over the years are necessary to keep supply systems operating in a sustainable manner.

MSABI has developed an integrated solution to provide reliable, sustainable and lifelong access to water to underserved rural and peri-urban African communities and is currently rolling out an innovative subscription-based water point maintenance service called Pump for Life. The service guarantees access to water against the payment of a fee. About 175 water points and 37000 users benefit from the programme, and access to water is highly reliable (99% uptime). Maintenance is carried out by a network of decentralised mechanical centres at key locations. All operations are digitally recorded (more than 12000 so far) and the data is used to improve services and profitability.

Project location

The work will be carried out in the districts of Malinyi, Kilombero and Ulanga (Kilombero Valley) of the Morogoro region, whereby we will mainly focus on Kilombero district. Kilombero is a district of the Morogoro region in Tanzania with the administrative headquarters in Ifakara.

Project beneficiaries

About 4000 users will benefit from the repaired water points. The technologies used are built locally by local businesses and technicians using locally available materials or materials sourced through established and efficient supply chains. This makes the services more affordable, supports the local economy and improves the sustainability of the results.

Project activities

• Localisation and assessment of 30 abandoned water points with the support of the district government. This is because a cost-efficient rehabilitation is only possible for a part of the defective water points.
• Rehabilitation of 20 defective water points. The rehabilitation will be carried out according to a demand and market-oriented approach. The communities are asked to cover part of the capital costs with in-kind contributions. To promote the acceptance of the innovative maintenance service “Pump for Life”, the rehabilitated water points will receive the maintenance service free of charge for the first six months. After that, the service can be subscribed to for a regular fee.
• Training of 20 Pump for Life mechanics to provide a good service. 15 mechanics who are already in service will participate in the training. In addition, 5 new mechanics will be trained – including 3 women.

Project goal

The improved functionality of safe water points will have a positive impact on the health, well-being and livelihoods of communities. Children under the age of five in particular will see improved development and a reduced likelihood of contracting waterborne diseases. Children and women will also benefit, as they are often burdened with the responsibility of fetching water.

Local partner organisation

MSABI is a registered NGO specialising in the implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes in rural areas in Tanzania. The measures are tailored to the local ecological, technical and social conditions. A local team is combined with international experts. MSABI works together with international donors and research institutions.

Duration
Februar bis Juli 2023

Costs
20.000 Euro

Sponsors
Edith-Haberland-Wagner-Stiftung
Wulf-Stiftung

Contact
Luca Wesel, WasserStiftung
l.wesel@wasserstiftung.de