CSR Case Studies: Resolute Mining Improving the quality of drinking water in Lusu Ward, Tanzania

THE CHALLENGE

Lusu Ward in central western Tanzania suffers from water shortages during the dry season and water borne diseases such as typhoid. There are no public potable water supply projects in the Ward and people rely on seasonal river water, local dams and groundwater bores for both domestic and agricultural use.

The impact on childhood health and education associated with water borne disease is significant as is the loss of productive activity in adults due to illness. The results of water shortages are also profound as people are forced to share water supplies with livestock, negatively affecting the health of the community.

A young girl collecting water for her family from a local surface water source that is prone to contamination from farm run-off and livestock wastes.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The aim of this project was to expand the existing water bore network to improve access to clean drinking water across several villages.

This was achieved through:

• • Installing five new groundwater bores;
  • Upgrading and improving two existing groundwater bores; and
  • Establishing and training local committees to oversee long-term management of the bores.

This project was undertaken in February 2012.

BENEFICIARIES OF THIS PROJECT

Young girls and women have benefited enormously from this project as they are tasked with fetching water for the family. Installation of the water bores closer to home has resulted in more time for schooling or other productive work.

Young children and the elderly are highly susceptible to common water borne diseases, such as typhoid. The provision of clean water as a result of this project has been positive for the health of these individuals as well as the broader community.

ENGAGEMENT WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS

The organisations listed below worked in partnership to plan and implement this project:

Australian Government – AusAid, Head of Mission Direct Aid Programme
The Australian Government provided $A30,000, contributing to 34% of the total project cost.

Resolute Tanzania Limited
Resolute contributed 66% of the total project costs. The company’s contribution included coordinating the initial community consultation on the project, managing the overall project, advising on drilling sites and coordinating training.

Village committees
Each villages where a water bore was installed formed a committee to manage the asset and collect small fees from users. The fees ensured the ongoing maintenance of the pumps and overall sustainability of this project. In addition, a group of committee members were trained as technicians to oversee the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

The total project budget was $A87,000.

OUTCOMES

This project successfully installed an additional five new water bores and two existing bores were cleaned and refurbished. All bores are now functional and the water quality is suitable for drinking. The overall benefits of this project have included:

• • • Reduced labour for young girls and women collecting water;
    • Improved access to clean drinking water in a typhoid prone area; and
    • Improved attendance of girls at school due to reduced household chores.

In addition, the village committees are successfully managing their assets. The Local Council supports this project and is committed to assisting with future management, further contributing to the project’s sustainability.

CONCLUSION

This project demonstrates that to ensure the longevity of any project it is critical that the people who will benefit are also the owners of the project and are responsible for its success. The most significant aspect of Resolute’s community development program involved consultation, involvement and empowerment in decision-making at the village and household levels, as demonstrated throughout this project.

For further information regarding this project please contact Resolute Mining