Today, the Government of Tanzania and the U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), commissioned a community-supported water supply scheme in Msowero village in Kilosa District Council, Morogoro Region. This scheme is part of a broader program to improve water systems in the Morogoro and Iringa regions. It will provide access to safe and clean drinking water to nearly 14,000 people.

The Tanzania Water Resources Integration Development Initiative (WARIDI) is a five-year, Tsh 5.5 billion program funded by USAID. Working in collaboration with district councils and communities, WARIDI implemented 16 water supply projects between November 2017 and October 2018. The program has helped build the capacity of community-owned water supply organizations to ensure sustainable services are delivered to all beneficiaries. The 16 water supply projects serve over 169,000 people. An additional 34 water projects are under design and will be constructed by WARIDI between 2019 and 2021.

WARIDI received substantial contributions and support from the communities as well as support by the Government of Tanzania. Community contributions for the projects amounted to more than Tsh 750 million. This program demonstrates the strong cooperation and clear commitment between the U.S. Government and the Government of Tanzania to support the Water Sector Development Program (WSDP II) of the Tanzania Ministry of Water.

The projects allow village populations to access clean water within a reasonable distance, relieving the burden on women and girls who are often required to collect water from unsafe sources far from home. The USAID WARIDI project is also helping to improve sanitation and local livelihoods at the district and community level.