Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa is home to more than 65 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 over the past 15 years, 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

More Than

Given first-time access to safe water.

More Than

Served with sanitiation solutions.

More Than

Served with hygiene solutions.

More Than

Being served with safe water through ongoing operation and maintenance.

The Need for Safe Water in Tanzania

International Poverty Rate

45% of the population lives on less than $2.15 per day.

Safe Water

89% of the population lacks access to safe water.

Sanitation

75% of the population lacks access to sanitation.

Basic Hygiene

71% of the population lacks access to basic hygiene.

Nearly 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. Most of the population (89%) lacks access to safely managed drinking water. Nearly three out of four Tanzanians lack access to basic sanitation (75%) and basic hygiene services (71%).

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 more than 1.1 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.

Professionalized Services

Rural and peri-urban communities, camps for refugees, schools, and clinics.