Water is crucial to development and health in an economy.  Tanzania has a wide range of water supply conditions, however large areas are in water stress.  Also, “easy” sources such as rivers are frequently overtaxed for water supply, both potable and irrigation.  This is even affecting environmental heritage sites such as Ruaha National Park in central Tanzania.

The problem is Dodoma is a combination of existing systems that are aging and difficulty of access to ground water.  The City of Dodoma has an excellent and well-managed ground water supply and pressurization and distribution system.  Under DUWASA’s continuous improvement program, this will serve the city’s growth well, however, improvements struggle to keep pace with population growth.  For rural residents, the semi-arid climate, geology and topography can make finding water difficult.  Numerous wells were established in colonial and British mandate times in the past, and by the government.  Some of these are aging and in need of repair. When they break down, people often must travel several kilometers to the next water source.  Another problem is predicting needed capacity.  When a system is established and is working, people move to that village.  Sometimes system capacity is quickly overwhelmed.

Cost is a serious issue.  In Dodoma, you don’t often drill a well cheaply with your little Lifewater rig.  It is often 100 meters to water through difficult drilling.  Locating well sites in some areas require hydrogeologic exploration (by an expert, that is).  Salinity is a problem locally.

Interested in aiding a water supply development in Dodoma (or elsewhere in Tanzania)?  We know local service providers, the government, etc. and can help you navigate the system, establish costs, and determine a course of action.  We’ll even stand over it and make sure it is done properly.  Contact us about parameters (sorry, it will cost you…).

Projects we have advised in Dodoma:

• Pwaga village: Finding funding sources and advising on proposals.  Improvements in the gravity supply system made with in-country resources.
• Rofati village: Advice on aged pump and its management provided.  Not heeded as far as well can tell.  This is a management and financial stewardship issue first of all.
• Mlenga village/church: Conducted “due diligence” for St. Peters Blackberry Corners Lutheran Church (Ohio) funding exploration for a village water supply.  Confirmed qualifications of Dodoma geologist, advised on fees, reviewed report and interpreted technical report for church people (kind of a neat trick that).  Next step: raise the $30,000 required for construction.
• Dodoma Christian Medical Center: Inspected and reviewed information on well condition and advised a course of action to improve quality.

We are also involved in assisting the Diocese of Moshi with water projects. Anyone interested in the details or in investing in such projects, contact us. Want to visit and visit with water people in Tanzania?  We would like to get a trip organized.  Contact us.

Kilimanjaro Project, Roman Catholic Diocese of Moshi

While our intended primary focus is on Dodoma, we are responsive to other calls for assistance.  One was a situation in the Kilimanjaro Region in the far northeast of Tanzania (at the foot of the famous mountain).  At the request of some Roman Catholic Americans who are friends of a priest and school administrator in the Moshi Diocese, Father Matthew Munishi, Stuart Smith began gathering information on what is needed for the water projects in question, and developing a budget.  Stuart met with Father Matthew in 2006 and visited the locations again in August 2008.

The concept started with the Diocese being interested forming a well contracting company, a project requiring an investment of possibly $1 million, training, and logistical arrangements.  With fact-finding telling us that competent well services were available in Moshi and nearby in Arusha, the emphasis turned to the more realistic goal of funding two well-redevelopment projects, total budget more like $21,000, of which, the Diocese would provide a share.

This has been a personal journey of friendship and understanding as well.  Stuart relates: “You must realize that I am an Evangelical Lutheran (ELCA).  I am unaccustomed to Roman Catholic piety.  I was on a hillside in Ohio in 2006 at a well drilling site, and my new friend Mary Ann Born calls me on my mobile saying that some other industry people referred her to me.  Then she tells me about her friend the priest who would like to start a drilling project.  "OK" I think - "Where does the half million dollars come from?"  (Oh ye of little faith...)  We have been trying for some years to gather investment for a much smaller effort in Dodoma.  I agree to visit.  She then tells me that Mary (yes, that Mary) sent me to them.  How can I argue?  Our resurrected Lord surely still listens to Mom with particular interest!  These new American friends of mine are really lovely people and dedicated Christians - it just happens that they have barrels of holy water and make 1000s of rosaries to hand out, and Mary Ann has visions.  It is good for Christians to work together as one people.”

Update: When visiting in 2008, Stuart determined need and met with the well contractor.  Estimates were made and brought back to the committee.  In February 2009, we received word that a well serving a primary school and dispensary-clinic at Uchira, east of Moshi, has been restored to service.  A new well for St. James Seminary, Karangu, was next, successfully finished in March 2010.  A further well is in the planning stages. This work on the American side is now being planned under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown (DOY) in Ohio. Anyone wishing to donate to this project is welcome to contact us at CMDI or the DOY Office of Mission and Evangelism directly.

Wish List

There is a need for additional indigenous well construction and service capacity in Dodoma and elsewhere in Tanzania.  There is also a ready, capable work force (needs training).  If you feel called to learn more about or to invest in such work, contact us.  We can share a business plan and we will be glad to host you and show you around the region.