SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS IN RURAL TANZANIA

摘要

MSABI - a Swahili acronym meaning "safe water for better health" is a small non-government organisation (NGO) based in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. MSABI is working in collaboration with disadvantaged rural Tanzanian communities in a rural area covering more than 5,000 km2 and a population of 450,000 people, to improve health standards related to water and sanitation. With a team of 25 local staff, the project delivers education and infrastructure interventions. MSABI uses simple, low-cost technology approaches to deliver safe but affordable water and sanitation installations. By using local materials, local skills and adapted low-cost technologies, MSABI staff can install water and sanitation infrastructure for as little as one fifteenth of the usual cost. For infrastructure investments, community groups contribute money, materials and labour -equivalent to around 50% of the total cost. Water is sold back to the community resulting in a sustainable business and water asset management system. Community support for the program is strong. Since operations commenced in June 2009, MSABI has completed community education in 4 villages, installed 61 new water access points, 13 new split system compost latrines and is in the final stages of developing a clay pot water filter in conjunction with a local women's pottery group. MSABI also welcomes young professionals to join the team and obtain valuable development work experience. This provides the advantage of skills transfer to our local team and contributes to a low overhead project.