Patients, healthcare workers, students, and surrounding communities in Tanzania’s Mara Region are benefiting from improved water, sanitation, hygiene, and healthcare waste management services following the completion of a major WASH improvement project at Bikira Maria Mama wa Tumaini (BMMT) Health Centre in Tarime District. The project was implemented by Sanitation and Water Action (SAWA) in partnership with WEFTA and funded by the Daughters of Charity.
The project was developed in response to needs identified during a Circuit Rider monitoring visit, which highlighted aging infrastructure, inadequate sanitation facilities, limited handwashing stations, and water storage systems requiring rehabilitation.
Major Improvements Across Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Waste Management
The project delivered a comprehensive package of improvements, including rehabilitation of seven rainwater storage tanks, construction of new water tank bases, upgrades to water supply systems, repairs to pumps, and improvements to protected community water sources.
New and rehabilitated sanitation facilities included a staff toilet block, a renovated five-stance inpatient department toilet block with accessibility features for persons with disabilities, and a renovated ten-stance outpatient department toilet block. A stormwater drainage channel was also constructed to improve access and reduce flooding around key buildings.
Expanding Access to Safe Water
A major project focus was restoring and expanding water storage capacity. Seven rainwater storage tanks serving the health centre, schools, the sisters’ convent, and other mission facilities were rehabilitated, significantly improving water security and reducing water losses.
Additional improvements at the sisters’ convent included construction of a new tank tower, installation of a larger storage tank, plumbing upgrades, and a centralized solar water-heating system serving all twelve bedrooms.
Promoting Hygiene and Infection Prevention
To strengthen infection prevention and control, the project constructed group handwashing stations and installed 34 handwashing basins throughout patient care areas, including maternity, surgical, inpatient, and outpatient facilities. These improvements provide convenient access to hand hygiene for patients, visitors, and healthcare workers.
Preparing for Future Growth
The project also addressed healthcare waste management through construction of a High-Tech Mark II incinerator designed to meet the needs of a growing health facility. The new incinerator provides a safe and effective system for disposing of healthcare waste and supports the facility’s long-term development goals.
Building Sustainability Through Local Leadership
Long-term sustainability was a key project objective. Representatives from the health centre, schools, community committees, and local government participated in refresher training focused on operation, maintenance, governance, and financial sustainability of water and sanitation systems. Participants developed action plans to help ensure the continued functionality of the facilities.
Looking Ahead
The completed improvements have strengthened water, sanitation, hygiene, and healthcare waste management services at Masanga Health Centre while improving conditions for patients, staff, and the surrounding community. Through continued local ownership and routine maintenance, these investments are expected to provide lasting benefits for years to come.
WEFTA extends its appreciation to the Daughters of Charity, SAWA, BMMT Health Centre leadership, and the Masanga community for their partnership and commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and WASH services in northern Tanzania.
