Water & Wells

Water is a significant and ongoing problem for much of Tabora Region, and climate change is making it worse. Crop yields and people's health are both affected.

A reliable supply of good quality water is essential for people's health and economic wellbeing. It is a major focus of FUM's work in Tanzania.

Our long term aim is to make this provision for all 18 of FUM's sites (15 clinics and 3 FDCs) in Tabora Region. But with a current cost of £10,000 - £12,000 per site raising the necessary funds will be a considerable challenge.

In developed countries we think nothing of turning on a tap for an apparently endless supply of high quality water.

People in rural Tanzania have no such luxury. A significant part of each day can be spent collecting water, often of poor quality, for cooking, washing and for small livestock to drink. An hour's walk each way is not uncommon.

Three methods of collecting water are possible and FUM uses all of them, depending on the local situation and funds available.

Poor quality drinking water is a major cause of diarrhoea, the second most common ailment after malaria, and the cause of death of an estimated 30,000 children each year in Tanzania.


Focus on Water

In 2015, our Jubilee Year, FUM launched a major fundraising initiative to provide our 4 most needy sites with a reliable source of good quality water.

Find out about Focus on Water  

Shallow Wells

In most rural villages the main source of water is from a local shallow well but these are becoming increasingly unreliable.

Find out about Shallow Wells  

Rainwater Harvesting

Here a building with a corrugated metal roof has the rainwater directed via the gutters and downpipe into a tank for storage.

Find out about Rainwater Harvesting  

Boreholes

The ultimate solution for many water supply problems in rural areas is a deep borehole, but each costs up to £12,000. And in some areas the underground water table has fallen significantly so the success rate is much reduced.

Find out about Boreholes