Rural water projects in Tanzania : technical, social and administrative issues

had installed water systems using the four major technologies available for dry, wet, and mixed regions. Villages visited represented regions with different natural water resources. Three major results from this survey are presented in this report. On the technological level, it was found that of the types of water systems surveyed - those driven by diesel engines, gravity, windmill/diesel, and shallow well handpumps - handpumps represented the most appropriate technology due to their greater reliability and lower capital and operating costs. Shallow wells were also labor-intensive and the use of local construction and maintenance materials increased employment. A lesson learned was that a number of diesel and windmill/diesel systems did not function due to a lack of funds for fuel and parts. It was also found that most users were willing to pay operational costs if the systems were perceived as equitable and useful. Finally, on the administrative level, it was found that some donors set up separate parallel organizations with offices isolated from the office of the Regional Water Engineer who will eventually be responsible for the project. Without close coordination, successful continuation of the project is uncertain. Three recommendations were made: (1) A.I.D. should specify the use of shallow wells with handpumps for village water projects in Tanzania. (2) Users should pay for the system's operating and maintenance costs and be involved in the water supply decision. In addition, rural water projects should incorporate a method to assess users and to collect funds to cover operating and maintenance costs. (3) Project planners should ensure that the activities of the Regional Water Engineer are integrated with donor initiatives. This can be accomplished by training counterpart personnel, conducting periodic reviews to prevent duplication, and adopting or adapting the methods of donor projects into the regional program. Appendices on field studies, bilateral assistance, and technical requirements for A.I.D. potable water projects are included.