Improving Access to Clean Water in Joshoni Street: The AUARA (117B) Project

Improving Access to Clean Water in Joshoni Street: The AUARA (117B) Project

Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, yet for residents of Joshoni Street in Mjimwema Ward, this necessity has often been unreliable. Despite being part of the Njombe town council and under the jurisdiction of the Njombe Urban Water and Sanitation Authority (NJUWASA), piped water access remains inconsistent, particularly during dry periods from June to December. This seasonal shortage forces many residents to rely on an open spring for their water needs.

Unfortunately, this spring was vulnerable to contamination due to unsanitary practices in the area. Solid waste dumping, livestock grazing, and cultivation activities near the water source posed serious risks to the community’s health.

Project Objective

The AUARA (117B) Project was designed to address these challenges by improving access to clean water while enhancing water source protection. The project’s main objective was to construct and hand over three protected water points connected to the spring intake, ensuring a safer and more reliable water supply for the Joshoni community.

Key Project Activities

To achieve this, the project implemented several vital measures:

1. Construction and Handover of Water Points:
   • Three water points were built and connected to the spring intake, providing safer access to water for the community.
2. Water Source Protection Measures:
   • The intake and ponds were covered to prevent contamination.
   • The area surrounding the spring was fenced to limit access to livestock and reduce human activities that risk water pollution.
3. Water Quality Testing:
   • The quality of water from the three protected points was tested to ensure its safety for consumption.
4. Community Engagement and Awareness:
   • The project actively involved local residents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the protected area to ensure the water source remains safe and reliable.

Beneficiaries and Impact

The project has had a significant impact on the community. Now, over 2,100 people benefit from the improved water access, including:

• 1,500 residents of Joshoni Street
• 150 students from Mpechi Vocational College
• 400+ students from Mpechi Secondary School

By improving access to clean and safe water, the AUARA (117B) Project has contributed to:

• Improved community health: Reduced risk of waterborne diseases.
• Enhanced quality of life: Easier, safer, and faster access to water, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
• Increased community resilience: Ensured water availability during dry seasons when piped water services are unreliable.

The AUARA (117B) Project has made a lasting impact by safeguarding the spring area and ensuring that Joshoni Street residents have reliable access to clean water. By integrating water source protection with improved infrastructure, the project has created a sustainable solution that promotes better health and community well-being.

With continued community involvement and maintenance, the success of this project stands as a model for improving water access and safety in other regions facing similar challenges.