Hatua Forward Foundation’s clean water projects making strides in Iringa 

IRINGA: TANZANIA-based Hatua Forward Foundation is implementing several life-changing initiatives across Iringa region aimed at complementing government’s efforts in upgrading people’s lives.

Provision of clean water services in some villages located in Iringa is one of the key projects currently underway benefiting many people in the region.

In her recent briefing, Hatua Forward Foundation Co-founder Andrea Kasekwa-Mos revealed that their involvement in clean-water initiatives started in 2021, when they supported the construction of a water well at Viziwi Primary School, improving access to water for the children and the school community.

“Our current clean-water project is in Makombe Village, with the water well located in Makongomi sub-village (hamlet). Before starting the project, we visited the community and spoke with the local leadership…we learned that some community members have to travel for approximately three hours to collect water.

“The location in Makongomi was selected because the water source has the potential to benefit people not only from the immediate area but also from three surrounding villages,” she said.

She continued: “Our next planned water project is in Tungamalenga, where we intend to construct a water well that will support a large school as well as the surrounding community.

“This means our clean-water work currently includes a completed project at Viziwi Primary School, the project in Makombe Village/Makongomi, and the planned project in Tungamalenga…our longer-term goal is to continue expanding to other communities where access to safe and reliable water remains a challenge.”

Commenting on how many people they want to serve with the clean water project, she said the initiative has been designed to grow gradually thereby benefiting many people around concerned villages.

“For example, the planned Tungamalenga water well will have a broader reach because it is intended to serve both a large school and people from the nearby community…our long-term aim is to continue reaching more schools and communities where access to water is difficult,” she said.

According to her, the response from the communities has been very positive bearing in mind that access to clean water is what every person is entitled to have regardless where they live.

“Our work is supported by individual donors, volunteers, local communities and people who believe in the mission of our foundation. Local leaders, schools and community members are essential partners because they understand the needs of their communities and their local environment.

“One of our biggest challenges is funding, locating water, digging or drilling, purchasing materials, installing the necessary infrastructure and ensuring that a water point remains sustainable all require enough resources,” she said.

In a related development, Hatua Forward Foundation – “Where Every Step Matters” which was also Co-founded by Adam Kasekwa, focuses on inclusion, development and creating opportunities for children, adults, families and communities.

“One of our main areas of focus is children and adults with disabilities and developmental differences. We want to increase awareness and understanding, support families, work together with schools and teachers, and help create more inclusive opportunities within communities.

“We are developing the Hatua Forward Early Learning & Development Centre, an inclusive centre where children can learn, play and develop together,” she clarified.

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