Tanzania

Community Overview

Biharu is a welcoming, primarily agricultural community located in rural northwestern Tanzania, home to 12,000 residents. The local economy is driven by the cultivation of maize, beans, cassava, and groundnuts, and the primary languages spoken are Ha and Kiswahili.

The project team is currently undertaking the rehabilitation of Biharu’s existing water system to address a critical infrastructure gap. Initially designed to serve 3,000 people, the current gravity-fed system is no longer sufficient for the ward’s 12,000 citizens. Additionally, the water source is located over 7 km away and remains untreated.

Project sustainability is a central focus. The team is collaborating closely with the Biharu Water Board, which manages local fees and maintenance, to provide the necessary training and resources for long-term success. Following assessment trips in August 2022 and August 2024, the project continues to move toward a reliable and safe water solution for the community.

Nicole conversing with a villager in Biharu

Case for Support

copy-of-2023-rotary-biharu-case-statement

Case for Support – PDF Download

What’s been done so far?

Conducted a hydrogeologic survey to identify potential sites for water well drilling in partnership with Jovial LTD
Completed water quality testing in partnership with the United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Water – Kigoma Zonal Water Quality Laboratory
Provided support for the purchase of 35 handwashing stations for the community at the request of MANLUKU
Collaborated with MANLUKU to administer a world-renowned assessment tool, the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) survey, to the community
Visited Biharu in August 2022 to assess the system and meet the community
Returned in 2024 to finalize Phase 1 planning and meet with all project stakeholders

*The results of the HWISE survey administered in May 2021 determined that 95% of surveyed homes were water insecure.