Where: MBINGA DISTRICT COUNCIL.

Project Period: July 2022 and October 2022.

Total Cost: $ 85,176 USD.

Partner/Funder: WEFTA

Sanitation and Water Action (SAWA) is collaborating with the Mpapa community to partner with Water Engineers For Americans & Africa (WEFTA) to improve the water supply and sanitation at Mpapa health centre. The project will be completed in phases depending on the availability of funds. The first phase has already been completed, with the main focus being on improving water supply to the parish, health centre, school, and community. The subsidiary part of the project involved the rehabilitation of the internal plumbing system for the priests’ house and sisters’ convent.

Key Achievements:

• Development of Water Intake. The water intake was developed by installing an infiltration gallery, sedimentation chamber, retaining walls, gabions, and a fence to protect the water catchment area. Water measurements were taken before and after construction, and the quantity of water increased from 3,500 to 5,000 liters per hour. The quality of the water was also measured by a regional water laboratory. Users of Mpapa agreed to plant water-friendly trees to contribute to the sustainability of the water source, and Fr Joachim blessed the source and was given the keys to keep it safe and secure.

• Construction of Gravity main network. The gravity main network consists of 6 kilometers of poly pipes and GS materials of various diameters. PVC sleeves were used to cross roads, while GS was used to cross valleys. The network includes seven air valve chambers, which were protected with cement blocks casted on site.

• Tank construction. A 50m3 capacity reinforced concrete block tank was constructed to collect and distribute water to the Mpapa community and its institutions 24/7. The tank includes fixed ladders (1″ GS pipes) inside and outside for access, and is fed by a 2″ GS pipe with a flow meter to measure the discharged water. The main outlet is 3″ with two distribution branch outlets of 1.5″ and 2″ pipes, serving the priest’s house, sisters’ convent, health center, community, and other institutions. A washout and an overflow with 2″ pipes were also installed to remove excess water to the existing small tank. Fr Joachim blessed the tank and secured the area to ensure the protection of the system, as water in Mpapa was a long-awaited gift.

• Distribution networks and Water Points. The Mpapa community members accomplished trenching of distribution networks, with two main branches covering over 2km. The technical team handled pipe laying and pressure tests. One branch serves the priests’ house and sisters’ convent, which is directly connected to the existing internal networks. Water is extended to yard taps for gardening in the priests’ compound and sisters’ yard. The other branch, with a diameter of 2″, provides water to the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), health center, primary school, and three community water points. Additionally, it provides water to one yard tap serving staff houses and a few households. The network aims to provide water to Arusha primary school and a new health center building, and the community has trenched the entire pipe network route (approximately 3km) to express their commitment, desire, and need for water.

• Refurbishment of internal plumbing. The rehabilitation of the existing system revived the functionality of 28 hand-washing stations and 15 sitting toilet sinks, and four new sitting toilets were installed. Water is now flowing in all places, and the sisters and fathers are grateful for the job done.

• In addition to the major construction and refurbishment projects, several other improvements were made. These include the construction of a tank base that is 0.5 meters high to carry a 10m3 plastic tank donated by the Mbinga Diocese. This tank supplies water to the maternity ward. A washout was also provided to the gravity main near the tank, allowing the diversion of water in case of tank cleanliness or repairs. Valves and meters were added to all distribution branches to allow for the closure of branches during repairs or misuse of water. The flow meter will also help monitor water use and detect illegal connections.

SAWA expresses gratitude for the cooperation and support received from Bishop John C. Ndimbo and the Mpapa community, which ensured that phase one was completed in a timely manner. The team is now looking forward to the success of WEFTA for phase two.