Manyara Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigela, has directed the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Ruwasa) in Hanang District to allocate an annual budget to extend clean water services to all unserved sub-villages in Masusu Village. This directive was issued during an event to hand over and launch a clean water and environmental sanitation project in the village, implemented by WaterAid Tanzania in collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The project aims to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services across the village.
The project, which cost Sh729.258 million, was implemented over 12 months, from October 2025 to September 2026, as the third phase of funding from LDS. It has completed three water points serving approximately 500 people, while the source has the capacity to serve 15 points. WaterAid Tanzania Country Director, Ms Anna Mzinga, called on Ruwasa and other stakeholders to ensure the service becomes sustainable. She recommended connecting the project to Tanesco's grid through a hybrid energy system so the service remains available at all times efficiently and affordably.
The project includes a 30,000-litre water tank, a school drinking water station, toilets, handwashing stations, and menstrual hygiene facilities. WASH and climate change education has been provided through WASH clubs to residents of Masusu and neighbouring villages. Overall, the project has reached 2,600 people, including 669 pupils and eight teachers at Masusu Primary School. It has also increased access to clean water for 500 community members through three prepaid water points.
Residents of Masusu, including Mr Noah Leitaika, expressed gratitude for the project, stating that it has reduced the burden of lacking safe water and toilets. The project has eliminated the need for children to leave homes with dirty water to drink while at school. Another resident, Ms Mariam Joseph, said they had initially been drawing water from Gisambala wells, with some households lacking toilets.
Commissioner Shigela urged residents to recognise that the project is their property and they have a responsibility to protect and maintain it. He emphasised that the project belongs to the community, not WaterAid or the church. Shigela directed Ruwasa to allocate funds annually to expand the service to sub-villages that lack water.
The project has received positive feedback from the community, with residents expressing joy in having access to clean water and proper toilet facilities. The initiative is expected to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services across the village. WaterAid Tanzania Country Director, Ms Anna Mzinga, asked Ruwasa experts to invest in the expansion of the project to reach all citizens of the village.
The Manyara Regional Commissioner and WaterAid Tanzania have emphasised the importance of sustainability and expansion of the project. Key stakeholders, including Ruwasa, are expected to work together to ensure the project's long-term success. The project's success will be measured by its impact on the community, particularly in terms of improved access to clean water and sanitation services.
Key points
- Manyara Regional Commissioner directs Ruwasa to allocate annual budget to extend clean water services to unserved sub-villages in Masusu Village.
- The project, which cost Sh729.258 million, was implemented over 12 months and has completed three water points serving approximately 500 people.
- The initiative is expected to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services across the village, benefiting 2,600 people, including 669 pupils and eight teachers at Masusu Primary School.
