Action for Ngono Basin Reforestation (ACT–NGONO) operates in the Muleba District in Tanzania with the goal of refurbishing non-functional water wells in the district this year.
ACT–NGONO learned of Bread and Water for Africa® online and approached us about the possibility of supporting this mission and thanks to our supporters, this month we are initiating a pilot program to refurbish five hand dug and two deep water wells.
ACT–NGONO executive director Richard Bataringayaexplained in his request for funding assistance that the wells had been dug more than 20 years ago by an international aid group but over the years they fell in disrepair due to a lack of maintenance and parts.
“A serious problem exists in the rural villages of the MulebaDistrict where residents lack access to clean, safe drinking water and live in an unhygienic environment resulting in the deaths of children from common illnesses and infections that are attributable to drinking contaminated water,” Richard told us.
“In most cases, the repair requires a complete overhaul of the hand pump system,” he said. “This cost is way too high for the communities to fund.”
As is the case of all our water projects, we require that the community be involved and trained in the maintenance in the wells to ensure they have a long operational life.
Richard noted that to ensure the sustainability of the project and maintenance of the hand pumps, its water management committee will oversee the training of local villagers.
In addition, the residents of the communities will agree to pay a minimal amount per household into a fund “based on what is acceptable and affordable” to them to make sure there will be the money available for the necessary maintenance and repairs in the years to come.
“The fees will create a sense of ownership by all in the community at large, and make it sustainable,” says Richard.
In addition to the hand pumps, the projects including protection of the water sources, fencing around the wells, and planting of indigenous trees around the watershed catchments.
Each well will serve residents within a reasonable distance — about one-half mile and have the capacity to ensure the consumption of about five gallons per person, per day.
The need is great in the district as Richard pointed out that only about half of its residents have access to clean water.
Sadly, says Richard, “Since there were no alternatives, the only option for them has been to drink unsafe water.”
But with the help of the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® one day soon that untenable situation will be changing for thousands.
