ANNOUNCEMENTS
This report presents the findings of a research project that was conducted in Nduta refugees’ camps, Kigoma region Republic of Tanzania. The purpose of the Research Project was to Assess Water and Sanitation facilities of Burundian Refugees at Nduta Refugee Camp, Kigoma, Tanzania. It was important to undertake the research in order to Assess what has been done on water and sanitation which are among the priorities of the world. The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals included the target to reduce by half the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by the year 2030.
The research had two components literature review and field survey. Literature review was used to get information on the existing WASH situation based on what organizations have done. Field survey was done in order to confirm the theoretical findings made from literature review. A Structured Questionnaire was used to collect data from refugees’ camps although some information was collected through observation.
Literature review indicated the existence of the following WASH problems in Refugees’ camps: inadequate toilets (Broomy, 2007), lack of adequate hand washing facilities (Save the Children, 2008), inadequate hygiene promotion (UNICEF, 2001) and low sanitation coverage (Save the Children, 2008).
Field survey that was done confirmed this information. Fields Survey was divided into two components: field observation and interviews. Field observation was done in order to observe the adequacy of WASH facilities in selected Refugees’ camps while interviews were done to Refugee camp leaders of selected refugees’ camps in order to collect information on Assessing Water and Sanitation Status of Burundian Refugees at Nduta Refugee Camp.
In terms of water quality, the researcher obtained water quality data for the selected refugees’ camps from Kigoma Water Board. The data showed that residual chlorine level in water was within World Health Organization’s and Tanzania Bureau of Standard’s requirement of 0.2-1.2ppm.
Methods and Analysis: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in a population sample of twenty Nduta Refugees’ camps in February 2018 during a normal time. A structured observational assessment based on a prepared checklist was carried out as well as key informant interviews with the head of Administration and health officers. The study employed mixed sampling techniques to ensure proportionate representation of Camps in all divisions of the Camp.
Results: A total of 228 Refugees latrines and 57 staff latrines were observed in the study with 58% of mixed Camps having boys’ urinals. National standards stipulate a ratio of 25 Refugees to 1 latrine but the situation in the study Camps differed greatly. The overall Refugees latrine ratio was 45 girls: 1 latrine with a door; for boys in Camps with urinals was 71 boys: 1 urinal and 2 latrines, while the ratio for boys in Camps without urinals stood at 71 boys to 1 latrine with door. The main source of water varied with 30% having water piped to the Camp, 20% buying from vendors, 15% respectively from community boreholes and water pans/dams, 5% own borehole and the rest from rain water harvesting. Fifty five percent of Camps had designated hand washing points but water was only available in half of these, in effect only 30% of study Camps had functional handwashing stations. The study found that 45% of Camp administrators were not aware of any type of national sanitation guidelines or standards, while 85% of health/environment officers reported being unaware of any national standards or guidelines.
Conclusion: The sanitation facilities in Nduta Refugees’ camps in Kigoma Regional do not meet national requirements with two parameters: latrine ratios and functional hand washing points falling extremely short. In addition, the Refugees’ management, Camp administrators and health teachers ought to be knowledgeable on the national guidelines and standards. Finally, the research objectives to assess the extent of WASH in Tanzania Refugees’ camps was fulfilled as the findings proved that there is little progress in Refugees’ camps WASH and additional commitment will be required if Tanzania is to meet Millennium Development Goals on water and sanitation. The researcher recommends that Refugees camps and primary Camp WASH needs collaborative effort among various stakeholders like Refugees, teachers, government, NGOs, water utility companies and local councils. Failure to address WASH challenges in Tanzania Refugees’ camps can result to may death of Refugees.
Keywords: WASH, WASH in Refugees, Camp Water Demand, Potable Water, Water Conservation.
