Taurai Maja
How did you hear about IHE Delft?
According to my research, IHE Delft is the largest water education institution in the world and its programmes are widely recognised. This course will provide me with the opportunity to make an impact on issues related to water resources management and governance, which form the bedrock of WASH sector coordination, my current job in Zimbabwe. Besides the WASH sector, the programme will significantly enhance my credentials in the area of natural resources and environment.
Zimbabwe is amongst the least developed countries in the world, and like other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, our economic and social development heavily relies on the sustainable utilisation of water resources especially in the face of climate change which is having a predominantly negative impact on the region. Taking a closer look at how the programme is structured; the course will strengthen my knowledge and skills required to fulfil my current work’s day-to-day activities and deliverables, such as ensuring access to water supply as outlined in SDG 6.
I am satisfied that the program is tailored in a way that it addresses all the necessary concepts that will enhance my understanding of water management and governance.
Your experience at IHE Delft
IHE is an institution that embraces multiculturalism and diversity, offering a wide range of programs that allow individuals to interact with people from various backgrounds and cultures. This creates an environment for networking and the integration of diverse ideas. I am convinced that this unique opportunity will enable me to gather a wealth of ideas which I can utilize to enhance my career prospects. My ultimate goal is to establish myself as a prominent regional and international brand within the next 5 years, while pursuing my dream of making a positive impact on communities through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
My passion for water
Growing up in Mt Darwin, a district in Zimbabwe, I experienced first hand the challenges posed by underdevelopment and marginalization. The area is plagued by issues such as widespread open defecation and a severe lack of access to clean and safe drinking water. As a child, I would wake up as early as 3 a.m. to help my mother fetch water from a river bed three kilometres away. My school was eight kilometres away - and as it had no water supply, the pupils were expected to bring water. This motivated me to choose a career that would contribute in helping vulnerable and marginalised people. This is why I am studying at IHE Delft.
I would like to become an expert in WASH governance and advocate for the sector at the highest level possible. As part of my work toward this goal I co-founded a non-governmental organization, Development Support International, which focuses on WASH, food security and disaster risk reduction. We work to integrate efforts and use resources effectively for a total transformation to the better.
I want to transform my community and others in the same situation by providing clean water and safe sanitation – the key enablers for sustainable socio-economic development. To transform the situation in communities like mine, WASH governance must be strong and institutions held accountable.
After studying social sciences at university, I worked for the local government sector, where I supervised local authorities in WASH service provision. Though local authorities were responsible for providing water and sanitation, they didn’t have the resources they need to fulfil this responsibility and the people suffered. In 2008-2009, Zimbabwe was plagued by a cholera epidemic. More than 4,000 people died, all because they didn’t have access to appropriate WASH services. This moment coupled with my childhood experiences shaped my interest in the water sector.
To consolidate my interest and influence, I got involved in a national urban WASH sub-sector committee, and helped institutionalise urban WASH in Zimbabwe. This strengthened government-led coordination and support of water and sanitation service delivery. In 2015, I joined the secretariat of the National Action Committee on WASH, with responsibility for urban WASH coordination; a portfolio I am holding to date.
Pursuant to Zimbabwe’s 2008-09 devastating Cholera outbreak that claimed over 4000 lives countrywide, I played a key role in the assessment of the water supply and sanitation infrastructure situation in February 2009 and the assessment report unlocked funds from both the Treasury and donors to respond to the outbreak. The same report was used to lobby and advocate for the rebranding of the current Zimbabwe WASH sector coordination which institutionalised the urban WASH, rural WASH and water resources management sub-sectors in 2010. I went on to chair the urban WASH sub-committee for three years before I became the coordinator of the sub-sector projects and programmes including the US$30 million AUSAID and UNICEF funded small towns WASH project. This achievement proved to be the turning point of my career and shaped my desire to further my knowledge in water resources management and become an expert in that field.
"In 2015, I joined the secretariat of the National Action Committee on WASH, with responsibility for urban WASH coordination; a portfolio I am holding to date."
The water situation in Zimbabwe
The impact of climate change in agriculture and availability of potable water is devastating. Rainfall seasons are characterized by floods and dry spells hence threatening food, nutrition security and the availability of clean and safe drinking water. Communities are food insecure; women and girls are subjected to sexual abuse and bodily harm as they travel long distances at night to fetch water. Urban local authorities are failing to provide adequate water supply and urban communities are resorting to unsafe water sources. Zimbabwe now has a challenge of unregulated bulk water truckers selling water to the desperate citizens. Water bodies around urban settlements are highly polluted.
Studying at IHE Delft
The teaching method is centred on understanding the concepts on water and challenging students to demonstrate their understanding through solving case studies. At this stage, I find this approach to be highly effective in our journey towards becoming water leaders and decision makers. The concepts we are discussing serve as fundamental pillars for guiding our leadership and decision-making processes.
After graduation
I am learning and developing the skills that I need to implement an integrated development approach in which water is the key resource. Enriching my knowledge in this way prepares me to bring my work from the local to the regional and international levels. I am deeply committed to advocating for enhanced WASH governance within my country, as well as fostering a strong desire for improvement within the region and on an international scale. Through my organization, Development Support International, and in collaboration with various stakeholders and government entities, I am determined to work towards a future where women and children no longer face the risks of sexual and physical abuse while embarking on long and sometimes treacherous journeys to fetch water, especially when they have to do so in darkness.
Interested?
IHE Delft offers two new Master of Science programmes: the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development. Furthermore, IHE Delft is involved in joint MSc Programmes offered with partner institutes.
