Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa is home to more than 68 million people. The country contains some of Africa’s most iconic national parks and Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. It is bordered by three of the largest lakes on the continent. Tanzania’s economy has grown rapidly since 2009, fueled by its wealth of natural resources and rising tourism industry. Yet, its economic gains and modest decline in poverty have been focused in urban areas.
Water Mission’s Impact in Tanzania to Date
Given first-time access to safe water
Being served with ongoing access to safe water
Served with sanitation solutions
Served with hygiene solutions
The Need for Safe Water in Tanzania
International Poverty Rate
51.3% of the population lives on less than $3.00 per day.
Safe Water
69% of the population lacks access to safely managed drinking water.
Sanitation
72% of the population lacks access to safely managed sanitation.
Hygiene
83% of the population lacks access to basic hygiene.e.
More than 50% of Tanzanians live below the international poverty line, and the average GDP per capita is less than $1,200. Kigoma, one of the poorest regions in Tanzania, houses nearly all of the country’s refugee population. Dodoma is one of the poorest and driest regions.
Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are limited throughout Tanzania. It is estimated that up to 70% of Tanzania’s health budget is spent on preventable diseases related to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene. Nearly 70% of the population lacks access to safely managed drinking water. Nearly three out of four Tanzanians lack access to safely managed sanitation, and more than 80% lack access to basic hygiene services.
Water Mission in Tanzania
Water Mission’s team in Tanzania actively works to provide WASH solutions to last-mile communities, refugee settlements, clinics, and schools. Since 2013, we have served nearly 1.2 million Tanzanians.
Our work is focused on the Dodoma and Kigoma regions, where the need for safe water is critical. Water Mission's solar-powered, sustainable water systems in Nyarugusu and Nduta refugee camps have earned recognition from international organizations. Beyond refugee support, we serve marginalized host communities by addressing WASH needs with community-managed water systems that are distinctly different than the projects serving refugees. Water Mission is registering a separate religious organization in Tanzania to carry out our Living Water program there, as required by the Tanzania government.
Our Solutions
Design and build customized solutions using best-in-class technology and water treatment methods. Each community-based water project in Tanzania is characterized by:
- Community partnership for sustainability and follow-up;
- Long-term support for previously installed projects;
- Unique technical solutions for challenging contexts;
- Continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable delivery models; and
- Prioritizing piped connections to institutions and households.
Build community leaders’ WASH awareness, train WASH promoters, and engage communities with sustainable and affordable sanitation and hygiene solutions they can support, including:
- WASH promotion and educational materials to teach healthy WASH behaviors in neighborhoods, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Respond to natural and humanitarian disasters in various ways, including:
- Emergency water treatment systems for communities, households, and institutions like schools and healthcare facilities;
- Handwashing stations in healthcare facilities and other high-traffic areas.
- Install WASH solutions in refugee settlements and host communities.
- Educate refugees and host community members on healthy WASH practices.
- Provide technical engineering and WASH support to other refugee-focused organizations.
Water Mission's Strategy in Tanzania
Communities in Tanzania have improved spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and material well-being, are equipped to services long-term, and have an opportunity to experience God's love.
Dodoma and Kigoma regions.
Community Managed Plus and Rural Water Cooperative.
Rural and peri-urban communities, camps for refugees, schools, and clinics.
Our Team
Our dedicated team in Tanzania is made up of 45+ staff members, led by the following leadership team.
Office Address
P.O. Box 60036, Plot No 96,
Mikocheni Light Industrial Area, Next to TBC/National Exams Co. Kinondoni District
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
+255 752 019 464
Will Furlong, PE
Regional Director, Africa
Kagunda Chege
Country Director, Tanzania
Impact Stories
