Badilisha Maisha project to benefit over 156,000 in Dodoma

DODOMA: MINISTER for Water Jumaa Aweso has launched the Badilisha Maisha Project, a three-year initiative aimed at expanding sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services to more than 156,000 people in 23 villages in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region.

The project, valued at 12 million US dollars (about 30bn/-), is being implemented by Water For People Tanzania in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of Water and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.

Speaking recently during the launch, Mr Aweso said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening sustainable rural water systems that go beyond infrastructure development.

“We are focusing on building resilient systems capable of delivering reliable services for generations,” he said. The project targets rural communities in Mpwapwa, where access to safe water remains a major challenge, often forcing women and children to spend long hours fetching water.

It is expected to reduce walking distances, improve public health and strengthen the capacity of local institutions responsible for managing water services.

Country Director of Water For People Tanzania, Dr Happiness Willbroad, said the programme is anchored in the organisation’s “Everyone Forever” model, which promotes universal access to water services while ensuring long-term sustainability.

“This is a systems transformation effort. Our goal is to ensure services continue functioning well beyond the project period,” she said.

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Dr Willbroad noted that the project will deliver nine climate-resilient rural water supply systems, 255 community water points and about 500 household connections. It will also improve WASH infrastructure in 11 schools and 10 health facilities.

In addition, the initiative includes construction of a decentralised wastewater treatment facility and implementation of community hygiene behaviour change programmes aimed at reducing waterborne diseases.

She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working closely with the government and local stakeholders to strengthen sustainable service delivery systems, including Community-Based Water Supply Organisations and district-level planning and accountability structures.

Water For People Tanzania is part of an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to ensuring universal access to safe water and sanitation services.