Gongo La Mboto Water and Sanitation Project: A Tanzanian Photo Diary

In April, Gary H.J. Pluim, Executive Director, and George Yap, Program Director, visited the community of Gongo la Mboto, a slum area located on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam the capital of Tanzania. WaterCan is working in partnership with WEPMO a local organization to carry out the "Gongo La Mboto Water and Sanitation Project". Previously, residents were forced to obtain water from polluted open wells or to purchase containers of water from roving hand-cart vendors at high prices. Now, residents have improved access to a clean and cheaper source of drinking water.

Photo 1: Meeting with volunteer members of the local water management committee. Members are responsible for operating and managing the water system.

Photo 2: Community members standing by their new water system. Each of the two plastic 5,000 liter tanks feed several communal water-taps located in the slums. Water for the tanks is supplied from a nearby 60 metre borehole that is fitted with an electric pump.

Photo 3: The project involves the construction of above- ground ecological sanitation or 'ecosan" toilets which do not require the digging of a hole an important consideration given the high water table in the area.

Photo 4: A colorful cartoon poster written in KiSwahili the local language. The poster is used with community groups to promote the use and benefits of "ecosan" toilets.