Repairing water pumps – improving educational opportunities

Background

The sustainability and reliability of access to water is one of the biggest challenges in the water sector. More than a billion people depend on hand pumps for their water supply. In Tanzania, it is estimated that more than 30,000 water points nationwide are not functional, and in certain regions, 30 to 50 percent of water sources are defective and unused. These water points would be sufficient to provide access to water for an estimated 7.5 million people. While several million euros are invested in new water systems every year, it is often forgotten that follow-up repairs are necessary over the years to maintain the operation of the supply systems. This is a particularly big problem in schools, because without functioning access to water, there is not enough to drink, personal hygiene is only possible to a limited extent, and children are often assigned to carry water themselves. This reduces the time available for children’s education. There is an urgent need for innovative new solutions for cost-effective and sustainable water supply.

The NGO MSABI has developed a cost-effective and long-term solution to ensure a reliable water supply in rural areas of Tanzania. To this end, MSABI has developed a subscription-based maintenance service for water points called “Pump for Life” (P4L). The service guarantees access to water in exchange for a small fee. Routine checks and maintenance are carried out by a decentralized network of mechanics who are notified by cell phone and can respond to any malfunctions within a very short time. To date, more than 200 water access points have been repaired and integrated into the P4L network. Thousands of people are now benefiting from this, instead of having to spend a lot of time and effort carrying water or relying on unsafe surface water.

Project location

The work is being carried out in several districts in Kilombero in the Morogoro region.

Project beneficiaries

The potential of the P4L approach is enormous. Countless communities, villages, schools, churches, health centers, and other institutions have defective pumps that are eligible for repair. This project focuses on 50 primary and secondary schools. A total of around 15,000 children will benefit from the repaired water pumps. In addition to the children themselves, the mechanics who are being trained as part of the project will also benefit.

Project activities

• Locating and assessing 50 non-functioning water points at schools
• Planning repairs and purchasing necessary building materials
• Repairing defective water points
• Training existing mechanics and training five new P4L mechanics, including at least three women
• Integration of schools into the P4L network by concluding contracts and agreeing on a monthly contribution (currently approx. 3.50 euros per month)
• Ceremonial handover of the new pumps to the schools
Project objective
The availability of clean water will have a positive impact on the education, health, and well-being of schoolchildren.

Local partner organization

MSABI is a registered NGO specializing in the implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in rural areas of Tanzania. The measures are tailored to local ecological, technical, and social conditions. A local team is combined with international experts.

Funding

For this project, we asked for “anniversary donations” as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations. We would like to thank all the many individuals and companies who are helping to make our heartfelt project a reality.

In addition, the proceeds from the 24 Good Deeds Advent Calendar 2025, amounting to €42,155.53, have been contributed to the anniversary project. We would also like to thank all our supporters!