Partnership working is both a joy and a necessity in Tanzania. It has its tough moments but the rewards for the community can be so valuable. Busega Scotland has been chairing the Mayega Water Group for the last couple of years and its endeavours brought piped water to the village.
A step change in the project was joining up with the Rotary Clubs of Egin in Scotland and Igoma in Tanzania. This allowed Busega Scotland to do the groundwork, along with Busega District Council and the water authority, RUWASA, to prepare a Rotary International Global Grant application, which Elgin submitted.
The tremendous news is that the application was a success and, when local contributions from the Council and RUWASA are added in, the next phase of the water project is benefitting from £50,000 worth of funding. Igoma Rotary and RUWASA are responsible for implementation and Busega Scotland continues to play a co-ordinating role.
Mayega Primary School will benefit from proper toilets, the village will have 7 new water distribution points and family toilets will be piloted. To support the expanded facilities, a new mains pipe will be installed along with a chlorination unit. The project will be backed-up by sanitation training and education in the village and school.
Talks have already been held between Igoma Rotary and RUWASA on how the work can proceed safely. At present, there have been suspected cases of Covid in Busega District but none confirmed.