ABSA BANK & WORLD VISION PARTNER TO ENHANCE WATER ACCESS IN KWEDIZINGA VILLAGE, TANGA REGION

The Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania, Mr. Obedi Laiser (third left), exchanges a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Director of Operations at World Vision Tanzania, Ms. Nesserian Mollel, in Dar es Salaam. Under this agreement, Absa Bank has contributed TZS 50 million towards the construction of a water well that will benefit more than 3,000 residents of Kwedizinga Village, Handeni District, Tanga Region, where children make up 55% of the population.

The Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania, Mr. Obedi Laiser (second left), and World Vision Tanzania Director of Operations, Ms. Nesserian Mollel, sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Dar es Salaam for a partnership on a water project in Kwedizinga Village, Handeni District, Tanga Region.

The Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania, Mr. Obedi Laiser (center), Absa's Director of Corporate Banking, Ms. Nellyana Mmanyi (left), and the Operations Director at World Vision Tanzania, Ms. Nesserian Mollel, share a light moment after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with World Vision Tanzania for a partnership on a water project in Kwedizinga Village, Handeni District, Tanga Region.

Absa Bank Tanzania has announced a strategic partnership with World Vision Tanzania to improve access to potable water, hygiene, and sanitation in Kwedizinga village, Handeni District, Tanga Region. This initiative underscores Absa's commitment to empowering communities and being a force for good.

Kwedizinga village, comprising seven sub-villages with a population of nearly 4,000 people, has long faced challenges in accessing clean and safe water. Currently, residents rely on seasonal ponds and streams, leading to increased cases of waterborne diseases and placing a significant burden on women and children who often travel over 2 kilometers daily to fetch water.

The project aims to address these challenges through several key interventions:

• Hydrological Survey and Borehole Drilling: Conducting a comprehensive ground water survey to identify the most suitable location for a high-yield borehole, followed by drilling to a depth of 180 meters.
• Solar-Powered Water Pumping System: Installing an eco-friendly solar water pumping system to efficiently transport water from the borehole to an elevated storage tank.
• Water Storage and Distribution: Constructing a 50,000-liter elevated storage tank and establishing a water distribution network with multiple collection points, ensuring that all seven sub-villages have access to clean water within 400 meters, in line with Tanzania's water policy standards.
• Community Engagement and Training: Forming and training a water user committee to manage the water supply system, promoting sustainable practices, and conducting community sensitization on sanitation and hygiene.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). It also supports Tanzania's Water Sector Development Program Phase 3 (2022/2025), which aims to connect millions to new and rehabilitated water supplies.

Absa Bank Tanzania has committed TZS 50,000,000 to facilitate this project, reflecting the bank's dedication to empowering Africa's tomorrow, together... one story at a time.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Obedi Laiser, Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania, emphasized the bank's commitment to being a force for good in the communities in which the bank operates: "At Absa, we believe that every story matters. This partnership is a testament to our purpose of empowering Africa's tomorrow, together... one story at a time. By providing sustainable access to clean water in Kwedizinga village, we are not only improving health and sanitation, but we are also addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, educational opportunities, and enabling economic growth."

Ms Nesserian Mollel, Operations Director of World Vision Tanzania, also commented on the collaboration: "World Vision is dedicated to working with communities to bring about development. This partnership with Absa Bank Tanzania exemplifies our mission to promote human transformation. Together, we are ensuring that children and families in Kwedizinga village have access to one of life's most basic necessities - clean water."

The project is expected to directly benefit all 3,890 residents of Kwedizinga village and indirectly impact an additional 596 people from neighboring sub-villages, marking a significant step towards improved health, education, and economic outcomes in the region.