Location:
Rural communities across Unguja and Pemba Islands, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Duration:
24 months
Implementing Organization
Zanzibar Rural Development Initiative (ZRDI) in partnership with local government, international donors, and community-based organizations
Overview
Water is life — yet for tens of thousands of rural Zanzibaris, access to clean and safe drinking water remains a daily struggle. Women and children walk for miles each day to fetch water from unreliable and often contaminated sources, leading to preventable diseases, lost time for education, and a persistent cycle of poverty.
"Turning the Tide" is a bold, community-driven initiative to provide sustainable, safe, and equitable access to clean water for every household in rural Zanzibar. Through smart infrastructure, education, and empowerment, we will change lives — one drop at a time.
Project Goals
- 100% coverage of clean water access for rural households across 5 key districts.
- Install 75+ solar-powered community water points and household rainwater harvesting systems.
- Train and empower 200+ local water stewards for long-term sustainability.
- Reduce waterborne diseases by over 60% within two years.
- Cut average water collection time by 80% to free up time for education, farming, and entrepreneurship.
Key Activities
A. Needs Assessment & Community Mapping
- Engage local leaders, women’s groups, and youth to map water scarcity zones.
- Conduct baseline health and access surveys.
B. Infrastructure Development
- Drill and rehabilitate boreholes with solar pumping systems.
- Install rainwater harvesting systems for schools and clinics.
- Construct 75+ water access points with filtration units.
C. Capacity Building & Training
- Train local water stewards in system maintenance and water hygiene.
- Partner with schools to integrate WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) education.
- Create women-led water management cooperatives.
D. Monitoring & Evaluation
- Implement digital tracking of water access and community health indicators.
- Third-party impact assessments at mid-term and close.
Expected Outcomes
- 25,000+ rural residents gain direct access to clean and safe drinking water
- 60% reduction in waterborne illnesses (diarrhea, cholera, typhoid)
- 30% increase in school attendance, especially for girls
- Empowerment of 200+ local residents as trained water champions
- Creation of sustainable community ownership models for water management
Sample Budget Breakdown (USD)
|
Category |
Cost (USD) |
|
Needs Assessment & Community Mapping |
$30,000 |
|
Borehole Drilling (25 units) |
$300,000 |
|
Solar Pumping Systems (25 sites) |
$200,000 |
|
Rainwater Harvesting Systems (50 units) |
$150,000 |
|
Water Point Construction (75 units) |
$225,000 |
|
Filtration & Storage Units |
$100,000 |
|
Training & Capacity Building |
$75,000 |
|
WASH Education Materials & Programs |
$40,000 |
|
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting |
$50,000 |
|
Project Management & Admin |
$80,000 |
|
Contingency (5%) |
$62,500 |
|
Total Project Cost |
$1,312,500 |
Sustainability & Impact
- Community Ownership: Local water committees manage infrastructure post-installation.
- Long-Term Training: Local technicians trained for upkeep, with toolkits provided.
- Environmental Resilience: Solar and rainwater solutions ensure off-grid sustainability.
- Health Integration: Alignment with local health clinics for disease tracking.
Target Audience
1. Global Donors & Philanthropists:
- Individuals and foundations interested in sustainable development, global health, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
2. Corporate CSR Partners:
- Environmentally-conscious brands seeking high-impact social investment opportunities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation).
3. Volunteers and Activists:
- Change-makers, youth leaders, and global citizens eager to contribute their time, voice, or skills to a transformative cause.
4. Development & Aid Agencies:
- NGOs, multilateral organizations, and government bodies looking to co-fund scalable water infrastructure projects in East Africa.
Join the Wave — Be the Change
This isn’t just about water. It’s about dignity, equity, and lasting impact. Your support can transform lives — not just today, but for generations.
Donate. Sponsor. Partner. Advocate.
- Sponsor a village water system
- Make a one-time or monthly donation
- Join our volunteer ambassador program
- Share our story on social media
- Become a corporate or foundation partner
Together, we’re not just bringing clean water. We’re turning the tide.