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| Handeni District Commissioner Hon. Salum Nyamwese cuts the ribbon, symbolizing the official handover of a solar-powered water well and distribution network project benefiting 3,800 residents of Kwedizinga Village in Handeni District. The project was funded by Absa Bank Tanzania. The ceremony took place within the village premises in Handeni, Tanga Region. Fourth from right is Mr. Aron Luhanga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Absa Bank Tanzania. |
Handeni, Tanga – Absa Bank Tanzania, in collaboration with World Vision Tanzania, has officially handed over a solar-powered water well project and water distribution network to the residents of Kwedizinga Village in Handeni District.
The handover ceremony, held at the well site, marked the completion of a project sponsored by Absa Bank Tanzania at a cost of TZS 50 million. The event was attended by leaders from RUWASA, the village government, and other stakeholders. The guest of honour was Tanga Regional Commissioner Hon. Dr. Batilda Burian, who was represented by Handeni District Commissioner Hon. Salum Nyamwese.
A Story of Hope, Humanity, and Opportunity
Speaking at the event, Mr. Aron Luhanga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Absa Bank Tanzania, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the project:
“This is not just an infrastructure project; it’s a story of hope, humanity, and opportunity. For a long time, access to safe water has been a barrier to the future of Kwedizinga’s children. Today, we are fulfilling our mission: Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together… one story at a time. We are proud to be a force for good in this community, because to us, every Tanzanian’s story matters.”
Mr. Luhanga noted that the project, initiated just a few months ago, now enables more than 3,800 residents from seven hamlets to access clean, safe water. Previously, the community relied on seasonal ponds that would dry up during the dry season, forcing women and children to walk over two kilometers daily in search of water—often unsafe for consumption.
“This well, with a depth of 180 meters, uses a solar-powered pump and stores water in a 50,000-litre elevated tank, supplying it through a gravity-fed system. The distribution network includes pipelines and 10 water collection points spread across the village,” he added.
Creating a Safe and Healthy Environment for Children
On his part, Mr. James Anditi, Director of World Vision Tanzania, highlighted the project's alignment with their child-centered mission:
“Our core desire at World Vision Tanzania is to see every child flourish and live a life filled with hope and opportunity. Clean water is not just a basic necessity—it is the foundation of child protection, health, education, and economic resilience. This project, part of our Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) strategy, reflects that vision by creating a safe and healthy environment where children can thrive.”
Mr. Anditi also thanked Absa Bank for their support:
“We sincerely thank Absa Bank for partnering with us to ensure that the children of Kwedizinga now spend more time in classrooms rather than fetching water, and that families are protected from preventable diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid. This is an example of the lasting, positive impact we aim to bring to communities.”
A National Example of Public–Private Partnership
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Tanga Regional Commissioner, Hon. Salum Nyamwese, the District Commissioner of Handeni, praised the project as a model for effective public–private partnerships:
“This project demonstrates that with shared goals, we can solve even the greatest challenges in our communities. I extend sincere congratulations to Absa Bank and World Vision for setting a national example to follow.”
Supporting National and Global Goals
This initiative directly supports Phase III of the Water Sector Development Programme (WSDP) and aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The Kwedizinga water project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and compassion in addressing critical community needs and improving lives for generations to come.
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