Dodoma Launches £420,000 School WASH Programme for Primary Schools
The Dodoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DUWASA), in collaboration with Vitens Evides International (VEI) and local Rotary Clubs, has launched a £420,000 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programme aimed at improving facilities at six primary schools in the capital city.
During a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, DUWASA’s Managing Director, Eng Aron Joseph, announced that the schools benefiting from the initiative are Makulu, Mtube, Nzuguni B, Ndachi, Sokoine, and Uhuru. The project will be implemented over the next two months, with success measured not just by completion but by the quality and sustainability of the facilities created.
Eng Joseph emphasised the importance of the project, noting, “If this project is implemented well and development partners are satisfied, it will be easier to get support for other schools in need.” He stated that the initiative is expected to benefit 11,277 students, teachers, and the surrounding community by providing a clean and safe environment.
He also highlighted that the schools were selected based on their inadequate toilet facilities, in consultation with the local council to ensure help reaches those who need it most.
Dodoma District Commissioner Alhaj Jabir Shekimweri praised the initiative as a way to enhance the learning environment, which he said is crucial for improving attendance and educational outcomes. He called for collaborative discussions among attendees to devise a robust plan for the project’s success.
Agatha Mosha, Head Teacher of Uhuru Primary School, expressed her excitement about the project, which will address significant WASH challenges at her school, where only four ageing toilet stalls currently exist. Built in 1928, these facilities are in dire need of replacement. She stated, “These new toilets will greatly enhance our students’ health and comfort, leading to improved school performance.”
The project also aims to provide dedicated toilets for girls and children with special needs, helping to ensure dignity and safety for all students.
DUWASA, which oversees water and sanitation services in Dodoma and surrounding areas, works alongside VEI through initiatives like the WaterWorX program while engaging local and international Rotary Clubs on community-based WASH infrastructure projects throughout Tanzania.
