For years, residents of Endulen, Alaetoli, and Kakesio wards inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area have faced a harsh reality long walks in search of water, thirsty livestock, and the constant fear of drought. Today, that story is changing.
Through a major initiative by the Government of Tanzania, implemented by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), thousands of citizens are finally seeing the promise of clean, reliable water come to life.
At Mt. Matiti in Endulen Ward, a 250-meter-deep borehole has been drilled, capable of producing more than 80,000 liters of water per day.
Once complete, the project will serve families and over 2,000 livestock daily, ending years of water scarcity in one of Tanzania’s most sensitive conservation zones.
“This project belongs to the people,” said NCAA Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru during an inspection visit.
“Our goal is to make sure the residents of Ngorongoro live better lives. Access to water means healthier families, stronger livestock, and more stable livelihoods.”he added
The project is already more than 50% complete, and the government plans to expand similar water systems to Kakesio and Olbalbal wards.
In addition to providing clean water, the initiative is expected to reduce tension between communities and conservation authorities by minimizing the need for herders to take livestock into protected wildlife areas.
For many citizens, the change is deeply personal. Siyapaa Ole-Keyan, a pastoralist from Endulen, described the project as a long-awaited answer to their struggles.
“We used to walk for hours to find water, and many times our cattle would die during the dry season,” he said.
“Now, with this borehole, we can stay in our villages and take care of our families. The government has truly heard our cry.”he added
Local leaders also see the project as a symbol of renewed trust between citizens and the conservation authority.
With better access to water, communities can focus on improving their livelihoods through livestock keeping, small farming, and education for their children without fear of conflict or displacement.
The Ngorongoro water project stands as a powerful example of how government investment can directly transform lives, restore dignity, and strengthen coexistence between people and nature. For the citizens of Ngorongoro, the future is beginning to flow one drop at a time.