Hatua Forward Foundation, a Tanzania-based organization, is making significant strides in Iringa region with its clean water projects. The foundation's efforts aim to complement the government's initiatives in upgrading people's lives. One of the key projects currently underway is the provision of clean water services in some villages located in Iringa, benefiting many people in the region. The foundation's clean water initiatives started in 2021 with the construction of a water well at Viziwi Primary School.
The foundation's Co-founder, Andrea Kasekwa-Mos, recently briefed on the progress of their clean water projects. She revealed that the current project is in Makombe Village, with the water well located in Makongomi sub-village. Before starting the project, the foundation visited the community and spoke with local leadership, learning that some community members had to travel for approximately three hours to collect water. The location in Makongomi was selected due to its potential to benefit people not only from the immediate area but also from three surrounding villages.
The foundation has planned its next water project in Tungamalenga, where they intend to construct a water well that will support a large school as well as the surrounding community. This means their clean water work currently includes a completed project at Viziwi Primary School, the project in Makombe Village/Makongomi, and the planned project in Tungamalenga. The foundation's longer-term goal is to continue expanding to other communities where access to safe and reliable water remains a challenge.
According to Andrea Kasekwa-Mos, the initiative has been designed to grow gradually, thereby benefiting many people around concerned villages. The planned Tungamalenga water well will have a broader reach because it is intended to serve both a large school and people from the nearby community. The foundation's long-term aim is to continue reaching more schools and communities where access to water is difficult.
The response from the communities has been very positive, bearing in mind that access to clean water is what every person is entitled to have, regardless of where they live. The foundation's work is supported by individual donors, volunteers, local communities, and people who believe in the mission of the foundation. Local leaders, schools, and community members are essential partners because they understand the needs of their communities and their local environment.
One of the foundation's biggest challenges is funding, locating water, digging or drilling, purchasing materials, installing necessary infrastructure, and ensuring that a water point remains sustainable, all of which require enough resources. Hatua Forward Foundation, co-founded by Adam Kasekwa, focuses on inclusion, development, and creating opportunities for children, adults, families, and communities. The foundation also aims to increase awareness and understanding, support families, work with schools and teachers, and help create more inclusive opportunities within communities.
The foundation is developing the Hatua Forward Early Learning & Development Centre, an inclusive centre where children can learn, play, and develop together. With its clean water projects and other initiatives, Hatua Forward Foundation is making a positive impact in Iringa region, improving the lives of communities and individuals. The foundation's efforts demonstrate its commitment to creating a better future for the people of Tanzania.
Key points
- Hatua Forward Foundation's clean water projects aim to benefit many people in Iringa region.
- The foundation's projects include a completed water well at Viziwi Primary School and planned projects in Makombe Village and Tungamalenga.
- The foundation faces challenges, including funding and ensuring the sustainability of its water projects.
