Our water project in Tanzania – Part 2: A well for Mbongwa

A few weeks ago, we reported on our water project in Tanzania. The water project was initiated by our founding member and former board member, Pastor Manfred Weida, who, together with his wife, is very active in Tanzania. The well has now been completed. Pastor Weida therefore sends us the following words of greeting and thanks:

"Mbongwa is a small Anglican parish on a hill near the capital, Dodoma. The church has been standing for some time and was served by the mother parish in the neighborhood. A year and a half ago, Petro Mataligana was appointed by the Synod as the first pastor to the newly established parish.

The parish council, priest, and deacon have decided to build a rectory and dig a well next to the church. Since Mbongwa is located on a hill, one has to go down into the valley to get water. A bucket of water costs 100 Tanzanian shillings (3.5 cents). The water is delivered by bodaboda (motorcycle taxi). This costs an additional 1,000 shillings, or 35 cents. A survey confirmed that there is plenty of water directly next to the church at a depth of 180 meters. A cost estimate was therefore made: 15 million shillings.

Last year, after the Easter service, I promised to seek support in Germany. The congregation was to raise 10% itself. 4,800 euros were needed. When Pastor Lourdu heard about this project, he decided to get involved, along with the board of the Arul Trust eV support association. When I arrived in March, I was able to hand over 4,800 euros to Pastor Mataligana. The adventure could begin. The large drilling rigs arrived. But at a depth of 180 meters, there was no water. We decided to keep drilling. Then, at 202 meters, we were thrilled: plenty of good water. The pipe was laid, the pump connected. Then the small water house was built. The 5,000-liter tank was placed on the roof. The project will be officially inaugurated at Easter.

The congregation will sell the water: a bucket for 3.5 cents, but not including transportation costs. The wives of the pastor and deacon will sell the water. A watchman has been hired. 25% each will go to the very meager incomes of the pastor and deacon, 10% for sales, and 5% for the watchman. The remainder is for the congregation and a reserve for future repairs.

The church congregation is delighted by this ecumenical help from faraway Germany and says: Asante sana! That means: thank you very much!"