Location:

Rural communities across Unguja and Pemba Islands, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Duration:

24 months

Implementing Organization:

Zanzibar Rural Development Initiative (ZRDI) in partnership with local government, international donors, and community-based organizations

Overview

Water is life — yet for tens of thousands of rural Zanzibaris, access to clean and safe drinking water remains a daily struggle. Women and children walk for miles each day to fetch water from unreliable and often contaminated sources, leading to preventable diseases, lost time for education, and a persistent cycle of poverty.

"Turning the Tide" is a bold, community-driven initiative to provide sustainable, safe, and equitable access to clean water for every household in rural Zanzibar. Through smart infrastructure, education, and empowerment, we will change lives — one drop at a time.

Project Goals

• 100% coverage of clean water access for rural households across 5 key districts.
• Install 75+ solar-powered community water points and household rainwater harvesting systems.
• Train and empower 200+ local water stewards for long-term sustainability.
• Reduce waterborne diseases by over 60% within two years.
• Cut average water collection time by 80% to free up time for education, farming, and entrepreneurship.

Key Activities

Needs Assessment & Community Mapping

• Engage local leaders, women’s groups, and youth to map water scarcity zones.
• Conduct baseline health and access surveys.

Infrastructure Development

• Drill and rehabilitate boreholes with solar pumping systems.
• Install rainwater harvesting systems for schools and clinics.
• Construct 75+ water access points with filtration units.

Capacity Building & Training

• Train local water stewards in system maintenance and water hygiene.
• Partner with schools to integrate WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) education.
• Create women-led water management cooperatives.

Monitoring & Evaluationg

• Implement digital tracking of water access and community health indicators.
• Third-party impact assessments at mid-term and close.

Expected Outcomes

• 25,000+ rural residents gain direct access to clean and safe drinking water
• 60% reduction in waterborne illnesses (diarrhea, cholera, typhoid)
• 30% increase in school attendance, especially for girls
• Empowerment of 200+ local residents as trained water champions
• Creation of sustainable community ownership models for water management

Sample Budget Breakdown (USD)

Category	Cost (USD)
Needs Assessment & Community Mapping	$30,000
Borehole Drilling (25 units)	$300,000
Solar Pumping Systems (25 sites)	$200,000
Rainwater Harvesting Systems (50 units)	$150,000
Water Point Construction (75 units)	$225,000
Filtration & Storage Units	$100,000
Training & Capacity Building	$75,000
WASH Education Materials & Programs	$40,000
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting	$50,000
Project Management & Admin	$80,000
Contingency (5%)	$62,500
Total Project Cost	$1,312,500

Sustainability & Impact

• Community Ownership: Local water committees manage infrastructure post-installation.
• Long-Term Training: Local technicians trained for upkeep, with toolkits provided.
• Environmental Resilience: Solar and rainwater solutions ensure off-grid sustainability.
• Health Integration: Alignment with local health clinics for disease tracking.

Target Audience:

1. Global Donors & Philanthropists:

• Individuals and foundations interested in sustainable development, global health, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

2. Corporate CSR Partners:

• Environmentally-conscious brands seeking high-impact social investment opportunities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation).

3. Volunteers and Activists:

• Change-makers, youth leaders, and global citizens eager to contribute their time, voice, or skills to a transformative cause.

4. Development & Aid Agencies:

• NGOs, multilateral organizations, and government bodies looking to co-fund scalable water infrastructure projects in East Africa.

Join the Wave — Be the Change

This isn’t just about water. It’s about dignity, equity, and lasting impact. Your support can transform lives — not just today, but for generations.

Donate. Sponsor. Partner. Advocate.

• Sponsor a village water system
• Make a one-time or monthly donation
• Join our volunteer ambassador program
• Share our story on social media
• Become a corporate or foundation partner

Together, we’re not just bringing clean water. We’re turning the tide.