In a landmark step towards improved water access and community resilience, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in collaboration with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI), and the World Bank, officially commissioned the Nzuguni Groundwater Infrastructure and Water Supply Scheme in Tanzania’s Dodoma Region on 18 June 2025.
The initiative, implemented under Phase II of the Sustainable Regional Groundwater Management Programme, marks the first successfully completed sub-project of the 24 being rolled out in 12 SADC Member States through the SADC-GMI’s small grants scheme. The Nzuguni pilot focused on enhancing water security through the construction of two groundwater monitoring boreholes and the development of a community water supply scheme.
At the heart of the project lies a 170-metre-deep production borehole yielding 1,200 litres per hour. The system now supplies safe water to approximately 200 people, including students and staff at Buigiri Primary School for the Blind, home to 120 pupils, many living with visual impairments.
Speaking on behalf of the SADC Executive Secretary, Director of Infrastructure Ms. Mapolao Mokoena applauded Tanzania’s dedication to integrating inclusive and sustainable water solutions. “This project is a model for gender equity, social inclusion, and community-focused design,” she said. “Its innovative approach deserves replication across the region.”
Ms. Mokoena extended thanks to the World Bank for critical funding support and to SADC-GMI for effectively guiding the project in coordination with local authorities and community stakeholders.
Representing the World Bank, Ms. Palesa Mogorosi echoed appreciation for the collaborative effort and emphasized the potential to expand the project’s livelihood benefits. “We encourage the integration of agricultural initiatives such as vegetable and crop production to boost food security,” she stated.
Executive Director of SADC-GMI, Engineer James Sauramba, expressed his gratitude to all partners involved and highlighted the project as a testament to regional cooperation in sustainable groundwater management.
Delivering the keynote on behalf of Tanzania’s Ministry of Water, Assistant Director of Water Resources Mr. Robert Sunday praised the project’s timely impact amid increasing water demand in Dodoma. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintain the infrastructure sustainably and explore complementary innovations such as solar-powered systems to lower operational costs.
As the first commissioned sub-project under the SADC-GMI’s groundwater management initiative, the Nzuguni scheme sets a meaningful precedent for collaborative action, equitable resource use, and regional integration in pursuit of sustainable development.
