In address WASH and environmental capacity gaps in developing countries, the Center of International Water and Sustainability at the Desert Research Institute (DRI/CIWAS) in partnership with Water Infrastructures and Sustainable Energy Futures (WISE-Futures) at the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) conducted one week Groundwater Development and Management training workshop in Arusha, Tanzania from 11th December to 17th December 2023.
WISE-Futures hosted a total of 49 participants and two facilitators, Prof. Braimah Apambire and Prof. John Akudayo from DRI. Participants were 31 from RUWASA covering the regions of Arusha, Dodoma, Tanga, Katavi, Rukwa, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mtwara, Morogoro, Musoma, Shinyanga, Geita, Mbeya, Songwe and Njombe. Three participants from WASH Habitat for Life from Malawi and 16 participants from World Vision from countries like Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, DRC, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The workshop focused on different topics, including basic hydrogeological and engineering principles, water quality and water safety planning, solar-mechanized piped and alternative water supply systems, database creation, management, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation.
The workshop was conducted in theory and practice, with different discussions, assignments, and presentations, to provide the opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and networking.
Participants in group discussions.
Participants in the lab learn how to test for physical, chemical and biological parameters in a water sample.
Participants also had the opportunity to work hands-on on equipment during field practices and identify and solve different problems. The field area (Mandela’s farmland), with the purpose of conducting a preliminary analysis of whether the land was feasible for drilling a well, the location of the well and the amount of water the well can produce. After five hours of this practical session, participants learn how to use different equipment and how to collect, analyze and present the obtained data.
Participants in field area receiving training on using Proton Magnetometer and ABEM Terrameter from facilitators and experts from Pangani Water Basin Board.
After being busy in class, lab and field, on 15 December 2023, in the evening, WISE-Futures organized a group dinner for all participants and facilitators to gather and socialise and farewell before the complete closure of the workshop.
Group dinner at NEA’S BBQ, Arusha
On the last day of the workshop, participants received certificates, and this event marked the closure of the Groundwater Development and Management Workshop for 2023.
Participants receive and show their certificates after completing the workshop.