It Only Takes a Minute
Mitati Village, Tanzania
World of Solar donates £50,000 to clean water project powered by solar power in Tanzania
Helping villagers to gain access to clean, safe drinking water
In a world where the demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions is on the rise, and the undeniable worldwide repercussions of fossil fuel consumption are coming into sharp focus, World of Solar are very excited to be a part of a promising project taking place in Tanzania.
We have donated over £50,000 to a clean water project powered by solar energy in the small village of Mitati, Tanzania. The donation will allow drilling, pumps, solar panels and other systems which will help the village gain access to clean, safe drinking water.
It's great news to hear that the Tanzania team started drilling, and found 2.1 litres of water per second at 150 meters. This amazing yield is predicted to supply clean, safe water to the 3,880 community members who live in the village. Matilda, who is a part of the team, stated "This is truly an exciting development and the community members were overjoyed!" Matilda, further expressed her amazement and gratitude saying "As per our protocols, water samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for testing and we can confirm that the water is safe and fit for human consumption." From the installation and discovery, thousands of others will be able to benefit and have access to safe drinking water.
The next step was to have the borehole sealed to prevent further contamination of the water, which the Tanzania team confirmed has been completed. The civil engineers have now started the water system design. This will identify the prime location for the tower and water distribution throughout the village making access to safe water easier.
Electricity within Tanzania:
According to the International Energy Agency, 19% of the global population is without electricity. In Africa 58% of the population are without electricity, but in Tanzania the figure is 86%.
Within Tanzania, they often have to deal with a poor electricity supply for basic necessities. Here are some ways villagers source their electric supply;
- The use of diesel generators – this is an incredibly popular medium of generating electricity for the village, especially as it is reliable. However, whilst generators are reliable, they are expensive to maintain and produce emissions and exhausts such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide which are incredibly dangerous when inhaled and released into the environment;
- Use of charcoal and wood - this is often a source which villagers rely on due to easy availability. However, whilst it is easy obtain, burning charcoal and wood is incredibly polluting and a rather inefficient way to generate energy.
- The use of solar panels – there is an increasing popularity in solar panels as they are more economically sound and a sustainable alternative to diesel generators. The panels can be used for light, TVs and charging batteries for use during the night.
Why is solar a favourable power source in Tanzania?
Solar panels are increasingly popular and a promising power source for electricity in Tanzania as they are becoming more affordable and can be installed in remote areas. Additionally with the hot climate and blaring African sun in Tanzania, they will generate enough electricity to power water pumps, irrigation systems and many other essential services.
Tanzania has been positively impacted by the installation and use of solar panels. Here are some examples of how and where solar panels have had a positive impact:
- ☼ In Masaki, the solar panels have been used to generate power for computers, lights and testing equipment for HIV/AIDS in their health centre. This has improved local health care and has meant treatments and testing continue even during power outages as they can source electricity from their solar batteries.
- ☼ Mbutu village has access to clean water through their solar-powered water pump. The access to such clean water has drastically improved the health of the villagers and radically reduced the time they used to spend on collecting water – sometimes without knowing if the water was safe to drink.
- ☼ In the village of Ngerengere, a farmer uses solar to power his irrigation system. This has enabled him to grow more crops, which has improved his income and lifestyle.
Mitati village, now has access to clean and safe drinking water, from the solar panels World of Solar have donated.
What does the future hold for solar power in Tanzania?
As the cost of solar panels falls further, solar power will become widespread in Tanzania and other emerging countries. The power which solar provides is transformative, with the ability to change millions of people’s lives in Tanzania and across the continent of Africa. As it becomes more accessible, Tanzania will continue to grow, have a positive impact on lives and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar power is predicted to make up 26% of Tanzania's electricity generation by the year 2040.
Whilst solar installation is a lengthy process, both the Tanzania team and World of Solar are excited and look forward to receiving updates and developments regarding the Mitati village over the coming months.
World of Solar Ltd donated the solar panels to Innovation: Africa, a non-profit organization that uses solar and water technology to electrify schools and medical centers and to pump clean water across 10 African countries. Click the map below to visit the website and see an interactive map of their completed projects.
Alternatively you can donate directly here. 100% of your donation will go toward bringing clean water and electricity to remote villages in Africa.
