Over 4,000 Handeni villagers gain access to clean water
HANDENI: MORE than 4,000 residents of Kwedizinga Village in Handeni District now enjoy clean and safe water thanks to a new water supply project by World Vision Tanzania, ABSA Bank Tanzania and the We Are Water Foundation of Spain.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, marked the completion of the two-phase project.
Initiated in August 2023, the project concluded in June 2025. The project whose cost stood at 297.7m/- has benefited 4,486 villagers, including 1,433 children.
Officiating the ceremony on behalf of the Tanga Regional Commissioner Dr Batilda Burian, Handeni District Commissioner Salim Nyamwese praised the collaboration and called on leaders to take a proactive role in identifying and resolving community development challenges.
“This project is a strong example of what happens when communities, government and partners work together. I urge all leaders to be catalysts for change in their areas by recognising the issues affecting their people and taking action,” said Dr Burian in a speech delivered by Mr Nyamwese.
The first phase of the Kwedizinga water project was funded by the We Are Water Foundation, following the participation of local girl Shania Shaaban in the COP27 Climate Summit in Egypt.
“At just 15, Shania shared the severe water challenges facing her village, sparking the interest of international donors,” Dr Burian pointed out.
ALSO READ: Zanzibar secures grant to boost clean water access
The second phase of the project was supported by ABSA Bank Tanzania, which provided 50m/-, while the community contributed 1.8m/- to complete the extension of the water supply system to cover more hamlets.
The Regional Commissioner emphasised the importance of sustainability and community ownership of projects, urging local leaders and RUWASA to support Community-Based Water Supply Organisations (CBWSOs) with the capacity needed to manage the system effectively.
World Vision Tanzania’s National Director, James Anditi, said the project highlights the power of youth advocacy and the importance of partnerships in achieving development goals.
“If a young girl could open doors to change through her voice, then certainly, our leaders can do the same. Development partners are available and willing to help—what is needed is local initiative,” said Mr Anditi.
Mr Anditi also acknowledged ABSA Bank’s contribution and encouraged more private sector actors to join hands with development organisations to reach underserved communities.
World Vision has worked in Tanga Region since 1990 and currently implements development programmes in Handeni, Pangani, Korogwe, Kilindi and Mkinga districts
