World Vision, German support Muleba residents

Africa-Press – Tanzania. MULEBA District Commissioner (DC), Toba Nguvila, has commended the World Vision Tanzania (WVT) and the people of Germany for their continued support in implementing development projects in various sectors in the area.

The DC expressed the appreciation on Thursday during the handing over of Izigo AP project to the government implemented by World Vision Tanzania with the support from the people of Germany for the last 18 years.

“The government appreciates the support that World Vision Tanzania has been providing in various sectors including health, education, water, sanitation and social development. We also express our gratitude to the people of Germany for their support … many lives have been saved through their support,” he said.

He appealed to residents in the district to ensure that the infrastructure and other completed projects that cost millions of shillings are protected for the benefit of current and future generations.

Mr Nguvila also appealed to World Vision Tanzania to construct a maternity ward at Kaigara Health Centre.

He noted that the district with a population of about 790,000 does not have a government-owned district hospital.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms Annajoyce Johanssen (53), a widow who resides at Izigo Village narrated how she was supported by World Vision Tanzania.

“I lost my husband some 16 years ago, since then I have been taking ARVs… and with support from World Vision Tanzania I was able to send my three children to school. My eldest son (Nicolas), recently graduated from the University Of Dodoma (UDOM).

I express my gratitude to the World Vision Tanzania and the people of Germany for their support,” she said.

Ms Johanssen is among the 24 widows who have formed a group dubbed “Watu Waishio na Matumaini” Izigo (WAMATWIZI).The group initiated a goat rearing project and also engages in production of nutritious food crops to support their families and earn income.

Godcelina Simon (13), a Standard Six pupil at Kashumbiliro Primary School, in Izigo Ward is among 25 members who formed a sensitization group that educates other pupils on hygienic matters and the proper use of safe towels among girls.

“In the past I used to miss classes for several days during menstruation. With support from World Vision Tanzania we have been provided with safe towels that has helped to improve academic performance,” she narrated.

Izigo AP Programme Manager, Mr Joseph Potino, explained that the project was established in 2003 and was initially expected to last for 15 years but was extended to 18 years while the targeted population was 63,955 in four Wards namely Izigo, Muhutwe, Mayondwe and Katoke covering 15 villages.

He listed some of the accomplished projects as construction of 25 classrooms for primary schools, 42 improved pit latrines, 1,540 desks while 15 child protection teams were established.

About 16 clubs under Water Sanitation and Hygiene were established while 100 per cent of the primary schools have improved sanitation facilities which are functional.

WVT Human Resources Manager, Ms Joan Kiiza, explained that during the 18 years of implementation Izigo AP programme cost about 15.7bn/- with the support from the people of Germany.

She also promised that WVT would consider supporting one among the three sectors-education, health and water sanitation following a request from the government.