Tanzania needs clean, safe drinking water

September 24, 2007

Kiwis can bring safe, clean drinking water to a Tanzanian community, potentially saving thousands of lives. World Vision is encouraging its 9000 supporters who subscribe to Telecom’s Xtra service to vote for World Vision as their chosen charity to receive $250,000 from the Telecom Charity Vote.

World Vision’s CEO, Lisa Cescon, says it’s a fantastic opportunity to help the poor benefit from Telecom’s generosity.

“It’s a real silver lining to the Xtra cloud – if we get enough votes we’ll hopefully be able to provide almost 20,000 people in Magugu, Tanzania with clean water. With a click of a button, thousands of New Zealanders will be able to achieve that for this developing community. $250,000 will enable the Magugu community to build themselves a water pipe. That will mean access to clean water, greater food security and improved health,” says Miss Cescon.

Most of the water in Magugu is underground and it contains large amounts of salt, making it unsuitable to drink. During the dry season community members spend most of their day walking to collect water, leaving little time to attend to their crops and livestock. Water-borne diseases such as cholera spread quickly throughout the community and families are left struggling just to meet their basic needs.

“The people of Magugu need your vote!” says Miss Cescon. “You can vote for World Vision New Zealand at www.charityvote.co.nz to fund the Magugu community’s water project.”