By /

Where: NYASA DISTRICT COUNCIL.

Project Period: July to November 2025.

Partner/Funder: WEFTA

Implemented by: SAWA

In the quiet hills of Mbinga District, where the rhythms of daily life have long been shaped by scarce water resources and aging sanitation facilities, a remarkable transformation has taken place. What began as a mission to improve water and sanitation for a small parish has grown into a powerful story of partnership, resilience, and renewed dignity.

This is the story of how Sanitation and Water Action (SAWA), in partnership with Water Engineers for the Americas & Africa (WEFTA), the Catholic Diocese of Mbinga, and the community of Lituhi, turned a long-awaited dream into a life-changing reality.

A Mission Rooted in Service

Founded in 2009 by dedicated Tanzanian professionals, SAWA has spent over a decade improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in more than 12 regions across the country. Since 2017, the organization has focused strongly on water and sanitation systems in faith-based health facilities—ensuring communities receive clean water and dignified healthcare.

Lituhi Parish became the newest chapter of this ongoing mission. Working hand in hand with WEFTA and parish leadership, SAWA embarked on a project that would ultimately transform not only the parish, but surrounding homes, institutions, and the local hospital.

Beating the Clock: A Project Completed Ahead of Time

Although originally scheduled for six months—from July to November 2025—the Lituhi project was completed in just four months. This remarkable pace was the result of extraordinary collaboration among SAWA engineers, parish leaders, hospital staff, local artisans, and community members who rolled up their sleeves to support the work.

With a total investment of TSh 315,763,000, the project now serves 1,500+ beneficiaries, including Lituhi Primary School, Lituhi Health Facility, parish clergy and sisters, workers, worshippers, and surrounding households.

What Was Achieved: A Complete Water & Sanitation Transformation

1. Clean, Reliable Water for All

The heart of the project began at the source:

  • Comprehensive water quality testing confirming safe, high-grade water.

  • Construction of a new well and secure pump house.

  • Installation of 682 metres of main distribution pipes and 400 metres of branch lines.

  • Water connection directly into more than a dozen institutions and nearby homes.

  • Construction of protective fencing around the water source to safeguard infrastructure.

Today, taps flow reliably in areas where water scarcity once disrupted health services, school activities, and parish operations.

2. A Health Facility Renewed

Lituhi Hospital was a major beneficiary of extensive upgrades, including:

  • New sanitation facilities in the Outpatient Department.

  • Renovation of four-cubicle surgical ward toilets and the medical ward facilities.

  • Repairs and upgrades in the CTC building and staff housing.

  • Modern handwashing stations at strategic service points.

  • Renovations inside the priests’ ward and key hospital offices.

  • Reconstruction of wastewater systems, septic chambers, and drainage infrastructure.

Patients and staff now experience a clean, safe, and dignified healthcare environment—a vital improvement for infection prevention and maternal and child health.

3. Improved Living Conditions for Sisters and Priests

The residence areas—where clergy and sisters have lived with long-standing sanitation challenges—received:

  • Renovation of 8 toilet cubicles for the sisters.

  • Renovation of 12 toilet cubicles for the priests.

  • Major repairs to corridors, septic systems, soak-away pits, and staff facilities.

  • Enhancements to convent reception and workspaces.

These improvements have revitalized living spaces for the people who serve the parish and community daily.

4. Modern Sanitation for Worshippers

Lituhi Church itself received a new sanitation block for congregants, complete with:

  • Two modern toilet cubicles (male & female)

  • Wastewater systems and septic foundations

  • Renovation of church toilets and construction of an underground waste holding area

Sunday worship now reflects both spiritual and environmental dignity.

Community Effort: The True Engine Behind Success

Much of the project’s acceleration came from the unmatched commitment of the Lituhi community. Parish leaders, under Fr. Timothy, and hospital leadership under Fr. Nditi, mobilized resources that significantly reduced project costs and timelines. Their contributions included:

  • Excavation of over 660 metres of trenches

  • Provision of bricks, sand, gravel, and water for construction

  • Supply of electricity, sinks, frames, and building materials

  • Local artisans who volunteered their skills and labor

This unity transformed the project from an external intervention into a community-owned achievement.

Equally vital was the support of Bishop John C. Ndimbo, whose close supervision and provision of transport for technical teams enabled strong oversight and cost savings.

Beyond the Plan: Additional Works Completed at No Extra Cost

Because of teamwork and resource efficiency, SAWA delivered several extra improvements not included in the original contract, such as:

  • Additional office renovations (nurses’ office, sisters’ reception, hospital reception)

  • New sanitation block for sisters’ staff

  • Repairs to fencing around church sanitation facilities

  • Corridor upgrades in the priests’ residence

These additions reflect a project driven by passion rather than obligation.

Impact: A Community Reborn

The benefits of the Lituhi WASH project are already visible:

  • Health services have improved, with better infection control and safer surgical environments.

  • Women and children no longer walk long distances to access clean water.

  • Schoolchildren learn in a safer, healthier environment.

  • Parish life has strengthened, with modern sanitation supporting worship gatherings.

  • Families now connect water to their homes, saving time and boosting productivity.

  • Lituhi is on its way to becoming a greener, more vibrant community, as the availability of water encourages small-scale farming and income-generating activities.

Above all, the community has gained a renewed sense of pride and ownership.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Legacy

The long-term success of the project depends on each beneficiary. SAWA emphasizes the importance of:

  • Paying water fees for sustainability

  • Maintaining systems and preventing misuse

  • Protecting water sources

  • Ensuring cleanliness and protecting infrastructure

  • Avoiding illegal connections

With proper care, the facilities built today will serve generations to come.

A Celebration of Partnership

The inauguration of this project marks more than the end of construction—it celebrates a powerful partnership between SAWA, the Diocese of Mbinga, WEFTA, and the people of Lituhi.

It is a testament to what a united community can achieve.

The water now flowing through Lituhi is more than a resource—it is a symbol of hope, dignity, and a healthier future.

As Lituhi turns on the taps, it also turns a new chapter in its development journey.

Asanteni sana, na Mungu awabariki.

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