Behind the scenes – extensive maintenance and sustainable expansion in KIUMA

On the site of our partner KIUMA in Tanzania, well over 1,500 people now live, work and are learning new skills. The infrastructure necessary for such a large number of people always requires maintenance and needs to be extended or upgraded. Let’s take a look at some of the work that has been completed over the past few months which gives an idea of what is needed and what goes on behind the scenes.

Water supply for hospital and guests – tanks resealed and pumps replaced

Two large water tanks were old and partially leaking. They were completely resealed from the inside. Now KIUMA can store 300,000 litres of water for general consumption in the tanks.

To improve the water pressure at the hospital, guest house and other nearby buildings, we have installed a booster pump (photo). This has greatly improved the hospital’s water supply. In combination with the wells that have also been completed, the storage tanks fed by this pump will now always remain full. This will ensure uninterrupted water supply at the hospital and guest house.

Providing students with upgrades – electric corn milling and rice processing

Corn and rice are two staple foods in the region. So far, corn has been ground using a diesel-powered mill to feed boarding school students. The plant was extremely noisy and associated with exhaust gases. We have now installed two electric mills for milling corn and another for dehusking rice. Electricity for the machines is supplied by the photovoltaic system that we have also installed in an environmentally friendly way. This saves costs and reduces noise. At the same time, we have enhanced the quality of the work environment for staff.

Ensuring irrigation – water storage, irrigation system and pressure pumps

The Farming Project will require sufficient water supply in the future for teaching in the fields. That’s why we’ve drilled two wells near the fields and created space for tanks with a total capacity of 440,000 litres of water. With pressure pumps connected to the irrigation system, as well as tap connections and hose lines, fields can now be adequately irrigated. The pumps – which are also powered by the solar system – were the less expensive and labour-intensive option compared to a water tower. A water tower would have produced the required water pressure by gravity.

Further reports from the project in Tanzania

Clinical officers sit exams

May 20, 2024 | education, health, Tanzania

Tanzanian healthcare professionals – First graduates sit examsThe rural population in southern...

Providing students with upgrades – electric corn milling and rice processing

Corn and rice are two staple foods in the region. So far, corn has been ground using a diesel-powered mill to feed boarding school students. The plant was extremely noisy and associated with exhaust gases. We have now installed two electric mills for milling corn and another for dehusking rice. Electricity for the machines is supplied by the photovoltaic system that we have also installed in an environmentally friendly way. This saves costs and reduces noise. At the same time, we have enhanced the quality of the work environment for staff.

Ensuring irrigation – water storage, irrigation system and pressure pumps

The Farming Project will require sufficient water supply in the future for teaching in the fields. That’s why we’ve drilled two wells near the fields and created space for tanks with a total capacity of 440,000 litres of water. With pressure pumps connected to the irrigation system, as well as tap connections and hose lines, fields can now be adequately irrigated. The pumps – which are also powered by the solar system – were the less expensive and labour-intensive option compared to a water tower. A water tower would have produced the required water pressure by gravity.

Regular investments in infrastructure ensure that the projects work sustainably.

Metal frame, concrete foundation and some pipes and cables

The newly drilled wells mean that KIUMA is supplied with a sufficient quantity of clean water.-watermarked

10,000 liter water tanks on concrete foundation

The existing water tanks in the farming project can already store 120,000 litres. Foundations can accommodate many more tanks.

one woman planting - two men watering with watering cans

When the soil is well prepared,seedlings are in the ground and properly watered, growth can begin.

With pumps now installed, this task can be done much faster.

Fencing around the area protects, amongst other things, the vegetable garden in the farming project from being devastated by wildlife. KIUMA lies between two national parks.

Aerial view of a field with farm buildings

In the future, various fruits and vegetables will be grown in the teaching fields all year-round, which will be used in KIUMA or sold at market.

Electric mill operation is far quieter and does not emit exhaust gases.

The photovoltaic system – coupled with large batteries and an emergency power supply with diesel generators – now ensures uninterrupted and clean power supply to the entire KIUMA site.-watermarked

Computer teaching labs – a large project with far-reaching value

The building of the IT teaching labs was a complex project from both a structural and financial standpoint. The buildings were degraded and had been empty for several years. Now they have been converted into three modern classrooms, where a total of 90 students, each using their own devices, can now learn computer skills. We have also enabled the teaching staff, other employees and the people from the local area to benefit from the site, presented as a contribution of their own The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development und die DEICHMANN-Foundation worked together to realise the facility.