WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION 

Investment Cost:USD 19.4 Million
The Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Improvement Project is a strategic transboundary investment under the Songwe River Basin Development Programme aimed at improving access to safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene services across the seven districts of the basin, namely Kyela, Ileje, Mbozi, Momba and Mbeya District Councils in Tanzania, and Karonga and Chitipa Districts in Malawi. The project seeks to improve public health, strengthen climate resilience, support socio-economic development and ensure sustainable management of water resources through integrated WASH interventions.

1.1.    Rural and Urban Water Supply Infrastructure Development

Capacity
•    Development and rehabilitation of rural water supply systems serving communities across all seven districts.
•    Increased access to potable water for rural households, schools and health facilities.
•    Expansion of community-managed water supply schemes.

Key Interventions
•    Construction and rehabilitation of boreholes, wells and protected springs.
•    Development of gravity-fed and pumped water supply systems.
•    Construction of water storage reservoirs and elevated tanks.
•    Installation of water distribution pipelines and communal water points.
•    Development of solar-powered water supply systems in remote areas.
•    Establishment and strengthening of Community-Based Water Supply Organisations (CBWSOs).

Expected Outcomes
•    Increased access to safe and reliable drinking water in rural communities.
•    Reduced time spent collecting water, particularly for women and children.
•    Improved health and hygiene conditions.
•    Reduced incidence of water-borne diseases.
•    Improved sustainability of rural water supply systems.

1.2.    Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement 

Capacity
•    Improved sanitation facilities in communities, schools, health centres and public institutions.
•    Increased access to improved sanitation services across the basin.

Key Interventions
•    Construction and rehabilitation of sanitation facilities in schools and health facilities.
•    Development of public sanitation facilities in markets and growth centres.
•    Promotion of household sanitation improvements.
•    Development of wastewater management and drainage systems.
•    Community-led sanitation and hygiene promotion programmes.
•    Handwashing and public health awareness campaigns.

Expected Outcomes
•    Increased sanitation coverage and access.
•    Reduced prevalence of water-borne and sanitation-related diseases.
•    Improved hygiene practices and behavioural change.
•    Enhanced learning environments in schools and health facilities.
•    Improved environmental health and sanitation conditions.

1.3.    Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Development for WASH Services
Investment Cost:USD 2.91 Million

Capacity
•    Strengthened institutional capacity for planning, operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.
•    Improved transboundary cooperation in water service delivery and water resources management.

Key Interventions
•    Capacity building for local authorities, water utilities and community water organizations.
•    Development of operation and maintenance systems.
•    Strengthening of water governance and regulatory frameworks.
•    Development of digital water monitoring and information management systems.
•    Community awareness and stakeholder engagement programmes.

Expected Outcomes
•    Improved sustainability and performance of water supply and sanitation services.
•    Enhanced institutional capacity and governance.
•    Increased community participation in WASH management.
•    Improved service delivery efficiency and accountability.
•    Strengthened transboundary cooperation and integrated water resources management.