World Bank and Ewaterventures Bring Relief To Tanzania’s Water-Scarce Regions

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – In a bid to alleviate water scarcity in Tanzania, the World Bank, in collaboration with eWaterVentures Unit, has launched the Vital 24/7 access to clean water program. The initiative has seen the installation of 550 “eWATER Smart Taps” across 72 villages in Singida and Dodoma districts, benefiting over 105,000 people.

According to Joseph Fingo, project manager at RSK Tanzania, “The majority of people in rural Singida and Dodoma don’t have household water connections and depend on public distribution points, which are scarce or non-existent, leaving many people without access to clean water.”

The eWATER Smart Taps, powered by solar energy, provide a reliable and affordable source of clean water to local communities. The project, which started in 2020, aims to connect 135,000 people to clean water by the end of the year.

Victoria Beach, Head of Operations at eWATERservices, noted that traditional aid models have often failed to provide sustainable water solutions. “Some 40% of rural water systems in sub-Saharan Africa fail within two years due to shortcomings in revenue management and maintenance,” she said.

The eWATER Smart Taps address this issue by incorporating a built-in communication device that sends vital data to eWATER’s dashboard, enabling real-time monitoring and maintenance. Customers purchase eWATER credit via mobile money, ensuring a secure and transparent payment system.

The project has also created employment opportunities for local communities, with over 16 professionals and 100 local laborers involved in the installation work.

As the project continues to expand, it is expected to bring relief to many more communities in Tanzania, including those involved in manufacturing and agro-business. With the World Bank and eWaterVentures leading the way, Tanzania is one step closer to achieving its goal of universal access to clean water.