Serengeti Breweries Limited partners with WaterAid Tanzania to provide clean water for the residents of Handeni

07 May 2024 AfricaESGSustainabilityPartnershipsInclusion and diversityCorporate relations
Serengeti Breweries Limited partners with WaterAid Tanzania to provide clean water for the residents of Handeni
Serengeti Breweries Limited partners with WaterAid Tanzania to provide clean water for the residents of Handeni

In this transformative initiative, Rispa Hatibu, Communications and Sustainability Manager for Serengeti Breweries Limited (SLB) shares how she, alongside SBL is contributing to Diageo’s Spirit of Progress goals with the support of WaterAid. Inspired to help the residents of Handeni in Tanzania by providing them with clean, high-quality water, SBL with Rispa’s leadership funded a project to build a dam to help alleviate the strain experienced of not having free access to water.

Through this impactful and effective partnerships, SBL has been able to impact over 2 million rural residents by providing them with clean water. This also complements the Tanzanian government’s efforts who are hard at work constructing, refurbishing, and expanding water sources to improve the provision of clean and safe water in rural areas.

Women wash team

Q. What inspired the Water Replenishment Project and when did it start?

The project started in January of 2023 where WaterAid, who supported in the building of the dam, collaborated with SBL (who funded 100% of the project), the Ministry of Water, and Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA). After the dam was built, SBL implemented a WASH programme which aimed at empowering women to operate and manage the water services, participate in community decision making, receive crucial education on water and smallholder farming related to Sorghum production.

Q. What was the impact of this project?

The WRP has positively impacted the livelihoods of over 2000 Handeni residents as the dam has an annual water yield of 137,000 cubic meters - enough for human consumption and for use in other economic activities including fishing and livestock. 87 Sorghum smallholder farmers were registered where SBL supported them by providing the resources they needed from agribusiness training, providing them with the right seedlings to grow the right sorghum for our products and we will eventually source from them - uplifting them economically. Additionally, 25 women have been trained on the WASH programme where it has helped to ensure effective participation by women in the day-to-day running of the project.

Q. How does this project influence future collaborations with stakeholders?

Engaging in such impactful projects has opened doors for networking with professionals, organisations, and communities involved in similar initiatives. This has now led to potential collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities for future projects impacting communities and encouraging career advancement.

Q. How has leading this project helped your growth?

Being involved in leading the WASH projects in Tanzania has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me both personally and professionally. As the Sustainability Manager for Serengeti Breweries, spearheading initiatives like this has notable implications for my career development and personal satisfaction. Professionally, leading this project has provided me with invaluable leadership experience, honed my project management skills, and enhanced my ability to collaborate with stakeholders across different sectors, contributing to my growth as a leader. It has also strengthened my understanding of the complexities and challenges involved in implementing sustainable development projects in diverse communities.

Personally, being part of such a transformative project has been immensely gratifying. Knowing that we have made a tangible difference in the lives of so many people, improving their access to clean water and enhancing their quality of life, is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces my commitment to driving positive change and making a difference in the community.

Q. What makes Diageo a great place to grow your career?

Being part of the Diageo family provides you with optimal exposure to diverse markets and brands worldwide. With a wide-ranging portfolio and significant investments in training and development programs, Diageo ensures that your career will experience both professional and personal growth. Diageo has made me realise my full potential and clarity where I want to be in the next years or so. The idea of making a difference not only in my home country but the potential of one day to work in other markets across Diageo, gives me the momentum to continue growing.

My passion is to make an impact - a real impact in our communities but for our business too. The fact that I hold both Communications and Sustainability role, gives me access to simultaneously communicate what we do for people, brands & planet.

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