Mangalali Water Supply Distribution
System Project

Project Overview

Afyaplus, in partnership with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) – Michigan State University Chapter, is implementing the Mangalali Water Supply Distribution System Project in Mangalali Village, Iringa, Tanzania. Mangalali currently relies on the Tanangozi water scheme, a system over 60 years old that serves nine villages. Due to population growth and increasing demand, water is available in Mangalali only once a week for just 2–3 hours, either during the day or at night, with significant seasonal fluctuations.

To address these challenges, the project aims to install water distribution stations in schools, health centers, and residential areas, ensuring improved and reliable access to clean water. This project supports Afyaplus' commitment to sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) solutions, strengthening community health, resilience, and advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Project team meeting
Project team discussing implementation plans
Water system installation
Installation of new water distribution points

Collaborative Partnership

The project is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders:

  1. AfyaPlus (Local Non-Profit Organization):

    Provides logistical support such as transportation, translation services, site preparation, capacity-building, project-specific training, monitoring, and evaluation for the duration of the project, and serves as a liaison between chapter and community.

  2. The Mangalali Community:

    Contributes a minimum of 5% of the capital construction costs in cash for each project before construction begins along with in-kind support during implementation such as skilled and unskilled labor, local materials, borrowed equipment, etc. Also, ensures a funding mechanism is established to pay for 100% of the operations and maintenance upon project completion and in the future.

  3. Ruaha Catholic University:

    Assist with technical data collection, field activities, and focuses on assisting and supporting key technical aspects such as water treatment, quality testing for bacterial contamination, mineral content analysis, and other technical activities.

  4. Engineers Without Borders – Michigan State University Chapter:

    Technical data collection to complete the project design. Design and construction management while involving all partners. Provide project-specific education and training, including operation and maintenance training and manual. As well as contribute to project construction expenses such as fundraising, assistance with community grant applications, etc.

Project Implementation

University students working
Students collecting water samples
Community meeting
Community consultation session

Academic Collaboration

The Mangalali Water Supply Distribution System Project serves as a key academic and practical learning opportunity for Ruaha Catholic University and Michigan State University students. These students apply their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and project management abilities to address real community needs.

Students from both universities collaboratively engage in various project stages, contributing expertise in water treatment, water quality testing, and community engagement. Both groups form an integral part of the implementation team, gaining invaluable hands-on experience while helping deliver sustainable solutions with lasting impact on the Mangalali community.

WASH Practices & Community Engagement

Beyond infrastructure development, the project focuses on promoting improved WASH practices and behavioral change through community awareness about proper hygiene practices and the importance of maintaining water infrastructure for long-term sustainability. Access to reliable water is a crucial pillar for sustainable community development and overall health.

Key Activities Conducted

Project Needs Assessment

In mid-December 2024, a joint team conducted a comprehensive needs assessment including:

  1. Site visits and community surveys
  2. Geographical mapping of water sources
  3. Assessment of the Tanangozi water scheme
  4. Evaluation of WASH practices and water quality testing

Hydro-Geological Survey for Community Borehole

Afyaplus team partnered with Drilcorp (T) Limited to take an important step in solving the water problems in Mangalali Village. Together, we carried out an underground water survey to find the best site to drill a borehole. This borehole will be the starting point for a new water system that will bring clean and reliable water to the community.

Survey team working
Survey team conducting hydro-geological assessment
Survey equipment
Specialized equipment used in the survey

Sharing Interim Solutions

Following the assessment, the team provided the community with initial recommendations including immediate improvements for water quality, hygiene behaviors, and household-level water treatment, while developing longer-term sustainable solutions.

Technical assessment
Technical assessment of water sources
Solution sharing
Sharing solutions with community members

Project Partners

AfyaPlus

Local implementation and community engagement

Mangalali Community

Local resources and participation

Ruaha Catholic University

Technical expertise and research

Engineers Without Borders

Engineering design and implementation