Residents of Pinda and Mazengo villages in Zuzu Ward in Dodoma are urging the government to upgrade the village’s water infrastructure to provide a consistent, 24-hour clean water supply.
During a recent site visit organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Alex Mtili, a local water user, highlighted the community's difficulties before JICA’s intervention.
He explained that accessing water was a significant challenge, particularly for women and children.
"Thanks to the government and JICA, we now have one water tank, but it’s not enough to meet the needs of all residents. Some receive water in the morning, while others wait until the afternoon. The supply is still insufficient. We are requesting an additional tank to ensure a reliable daily supply,” said Mtili.
Zainabu Ayubu, another resident, stressed that inadequate access to clean water continues to exacerbate socioeconomic challenges in the community.
The time-consuming process of collecting water from distant and often unreliable sources limits opportunities for education, economic growth, and good health.
“While the water supply has improved, it’s not enough for our growing population. An extra tank would greatly ease the burden,” Ayubu added.
Musa Hamis, the local water pipe manager, echoed these sentiments. "We are grateful to have water closer to us now, but one tank cannot meet the entire community’s needs. A second tank would make a substantial difference."
Eng. Mohamed Mmbaga, Acting Manager of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) for Dodoma District, noted that the current tank holds 90,000 liters of water, which is insufficient for the more than 6,000 people in Pinda and Mazengo streets. To meet demand, an additional 100,000 liters of water is required.
Japan’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Yasushi Misawa, explained that the Zuzu Village water project is part of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP), a Japanese government initiative started in 1989.
The project aims to enhance education and health services by building schools, dispensaries, and water wells across Tanzania.
“The GGHSP has funded approximately US$28 million for 386 projects in the last decade (2014-2023),” said Misawa.
He also shared that Zuzu Village initially relied on a well constructed in 1991, which served six stations and 33 households.
However, due to damage and a lack of funds for repairs, Japan stepped in to rehabilitate the well, which now benefits more than 4,000 residents.
