Location
Village of Mlevela, Njombe Region, Tanzania
Community Description
The community of Mlevela, with a population of 3,200, is largely agricultural. More than 90% of residents farm at least part-time. The major crops are corn and potatoes.
The community is in the region with the highest levels of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. The villagers are very friendly people who are excited about new ideas, but rational and practical when it comes to discussion and implementation.
Mlevela Primary School serves 500 students from 4 of the 5 sub-villages into which the community has been divided.
Problem Addressed
There are 6 restrooms available to the students, 3 for boys and 3 for girls.
The school needs a water source that will support and allow for the addition of new toilets.
The current water source is a spring that is in a very steep valley. Although it is only 1 kilometer away, it is difficult to retrieve water due to the extreme slope of the walk.
Project Description
This project is to build a rainwater catchment system at the school.
The project will consist of a 3,000-liter plastic tank placed on a stand, a set of gutters attached to the roof of the school, and piping to connect the gutters to the tank and for distribution to the restrooms.
This water will be used for various school projects, but will primarily be used at the restrooms for handwashing and cleaning and flushing.
The platform for the tank will be built on the narrow side of the school closest to the bathrooms in order to maximize rainwater potential and shorten the length of piping to the bathrooms.
The sinks will be built out of village wood that will have weather-treated titanium shaped by village workers into a trough to catch the dirty water. The hand washing taps will be standard brass with a twist faucet to turn them on and off.
Transportation of the tank will be provided by the district agricultural officer.
The community will participate by assisting in the construction of the stand, gutters, and piping. They will also purchase the bricks and contract with and supervise the workmen.
Water Charity funds will be used to purchase the tank, metal for making the gutters, piping (about 150 ft), and taps.
Project Impact
550 Students and 9 teachers will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Max Wohlgemuth
Comments
This is an important project for the health and well-being of the students and staff at the school
Max previously completed the KIWAMM Pump Project – Tanzania.
Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00
Donations Collected to Date
$160.00
ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW
Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you “naming rights”, if that is something you would like.
Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of the Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.
Dollar Amount Needed
$395.00
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.