With Dodoma’s population surging following the government’s relocation, existing water sources are under increasing strain. In response, the government, through the Ministry of Water, is actively expanding water resources, including drilling deep boreholes to tap into groundwater reserves. The Buigiri Primary School project represents a vital step in this direction, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply for the growing capital city of Dodoma.

June 18th, 2025 marked a momentous occasion for the students and teachers of Buigiri Primary School of the Blind in Dodoma, Tanzania, with the commissioning of a transformative water supply project for both the school and the surrounding community. This impactful initiative, implemented by the SADC Groundwater Management Institute in collaboration with the Tanzania Ministry of Water, using funding from the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the World Bank Group. The project promises to significantly improve the lives of 120 pupils and 38 teachers, granting them reliable access to water directly on the school grounds. This will free up valuable time previously spent searching for water, allowing them to focus on their education and academic pursuits.

The borehole drilled is 170m deep and fitted with a pump yielding 1,200 litres of water per hour. This vital resource feeds into a 5,000-litre elevated water storage tank, providing a reliable supply to approximately 200 individuals, including students, teachers, and their families. Among those served are 120 students (58 boys and 62 girls), each with unique needs and aspirations, who receive education and empowerment despite being blind or having related disabilities.

Through the newfound water supply, the Buigiri School for the Blind is inspired to initiate gardening activities, enabling students to cultivate fresh vegetables, thereby enhancing food security within the school community. Additionally, the project aims to address the school’s water and sanitation facilities. By fostering a sustainable environment, the project not only supports their education but also promotes their overall well-being.

With eager hands, the learners of the Buigiri School for the Blind prepare to open the tap, anticipating a transformative experience: the ready availability of fresh, safe drinking water right on their school grounds. This marks not just access to a necessity, but a gateway to improved health, enhanced learning, and a brighter future for each student

The commissioning ceremony was graced by the presence of key distinguished figures, including Ms. Mapolao Mokoena, the SADC Secretariat Director of Infrastructure, and Eng James Sauramba, the SADC-GMI Executive Director. The event was further honored by the participation of Ms. Palesa Mokorosi from the World Bank Lesotho and Mr. Robert Sunday, Assistant Director of Water Resources, representing the Permanent Secretary, alongside valued representatives from the Tanzania Ministry of Water.

Speaking on behalf the Government of United Republic of Tanzania, representing the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Robert Sunday – Assistant Director of Water Resources, said this project is a timely and crucial contribution to the Government’s efforts, spearheaded by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital city, has access to a reliable supply of safe and clean water. By augmenting Dodoma’s water resources, this initiative will play a vital role in meeting the growing demands of the city’s population.

In his opening remarks, Eng James Sauramba – SADC-GMI Executive Director, highlighted the vital work of the SADC-Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI), emphasizing that their efforts are primarily focused on what lies beneath our feet: groundwater. He outlined three critical areas of focus for SADC-GMI: building the capacity of SADC Member States in groundwater management, conducting research to deepen our understanding of this precious resource, and developing groundwater infrastructure to improve community access to water. He reiterated that the project at Buigiri Primary School for the Blind stands as a testament to this commitment. With approximately 70% of the 350 million people in the SADC region relying on groundwater, particularly in areas like Dodoma, SADC-GMI’s support for Member States in implementing community-based projects is crucial. He also applauded the Government of Tanzania for another ongoing project in the Fufu Aquifer, which will provide the Tanzanian government with vital data for informed decision-making regarding the sustainable use and protection of this resource. “The integration of a livelihood element into these projects is particularly exciting, recognizing the dependence of communities on groundwater as their primary water source”, Eng. Sauramba emphasized. This project, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water in Tanzania, is one of 24 being executed by SADC-GMI under the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC member States Programme Phase 2.

The SADC Secretariat Director of Infrastructure, Ms. Mapolao Mokoena, speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, expressed, “As the SADC Secretariat, we are honoured to witness this significant event and to contribute to a project that directly addresses the needs of the community. There is no substitute for clean water and reliable sanitation services. Access to clean water and sanitation is not just a necessity; it is a matter of dignity and a fundamental human right.” She asserted,

She highlighted that the collaboration between the SADC Secretariat, the SADC-GMI, the World Bank Group, and other partners in implementing this crucial project underscores the transformative power of water in improving lives. She further said that with minimal financial investment, sub-grant projects have demonstrated impactful results, showcasing that even limited resources can unlock groundwater potential to enhance the living standards of their populations.

Ms. Mokoena said the SADC is enthusiastic about any initiative aimed at improving water security and access for the region’s citizens. She further said the goal is to increase access to safe water from the current low of 63% and sanitation access from just 37% to at least 75% by 2030.

Ms. Palesa Mokorosi Technical Task Leader from the World Bank appreciated the ongoing collaboration between the SADC Secretariat, SADC-GMI and the Government of Tanzania in developing groundwater resources to improve water security in the country particularly now under severe impacts of climate change and also provided assurance of the World bank’s commitment is supporting groundwater resources development in the SADC region. Additionally, Ms. Mokorosi applauded Tanzania for taking advantage of the Sub-grant funding starting during Phase 1 of the World Bank-supported project, where the country successfully completed the Kimbiji Aquifer project, where infrastructure was installed to improve the monitoring of groundwater resources in the aquifer that supplies water to Dar es Salaam.

The commissioning ceremony drew a diverse audience, uniting key stakeholders from the SADC Secretariat, the World Bank, and the SADC Groundwater Management Institute, alongside enthusiastic learners and dedicated schoolteachers. Government Officials from the Ministry of Water at various levels were also present, demonstrating a unified commitment to the project’s success.