Transforming Lives in Tanzania with Rainwater Collection System

Bucket kids lined up.jpeg

"More people die from contaminated or polluted water than from all forms of violence including wars,” states the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 

Recently, Aid Africa’s Childrens built a much needed 6 tank, 5,000 liters (1,300 Gallon) per tank rainwater collection system at the Benedictine Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa, Tanzania. This project was completed ahead of schedule, under budget and is sustainable and green! Our project also aligned with the United Nation’s 2018 World Water Development Report suggestions for encouraging “Nature-Based Water Solutions (NBS)” to meet the rapid increasing global demand for water.  

NBS is defined as “using natural processes to enhance water availability (e.g.soil moisture retention), improve water quality ex: natural and constructed wetlands, and managing water through green infrastructures. 

Life Before the Rainwater Collection System:

Prior to building this rainwater harvesting system, many of the villagers and children would have to walk several kilometers to the nearest water source. This was a daily grueling process involving carrying water sometimes for hours, even 2-3 times daily. Often people responsible for water duties were female and/or children. The day’s water chores severely restricted options for attending school.  

Although there is a small borehole on the school grounds, the water supply is only 2,000 liters barely enough for the students. Without access to water the school would close. Now, the borehole and the rainwater harvesting tanks provide over 3,500 persons in the Ntemba Village with a new sustainable water source. The trek for water is reduced from the daily several kilometers to a 1/2 mile walk radius for most of the locals. The water tanks will be maintained and operated at St. Placidus Mvimwa Primary School run also by the Benedictine Monks of Mvimwa Abbey.  Currently, the school has 355 students and 25 teachers.  

How does the rainwater collection system work?

In many African countries the problem is utilizing and capturing what little rain runoff you get.  The rainwater collection system is an cost effective way of creating a new water source. The water tanks, generally made of polyethylene, stand on a concrete base connecting downspouts (gutters) that are attached to designated roof tops, in this case, at the school. Rainwater recycling gathers rainwater from a building’s roof which travels through a filter screening debris (usually dirt and leaves) and is then stored in the holding tank. It is a sustainable way to provide clean water to thousands of people. Often these rainwater collection systems have a lifetime expectancy of up to 30 years. 

In conclusion:

The project was complete in January, 2019 within a 2 month period for $14,500.  Brother Gasper Toke of the Benedictine Monks of Mvimwa Abbey, was our main contact for the project. He said, the villagers are very uplifted by the success of the project and the positive effect it will have on their daily lives. More time can be spent for females and children to get an education. Clean water creates better sanitation and hygiene practices reducing illness. There also has discussion about having a blessing and dedication ceremony for the rainwater collection project inviting Aid Africa’s Children to come celebrate with them.