Health With the constant influx of people, tourists and residents of Tanga alike, a variety of services are becoming more and more critical. Public health and hygiene are major issues of concern. Pregnant women are forced to travel for miles to reach the regional hospital, which poses a health hazard both for the women and their unborn children. Sanitation is also an issue and good toilet facilities are important for the community and the growing tourism industry in Tanga.
The Tanga Sister City Committee undertook the challenge to resolve these issues with the objective to "improve sanitation and provide access to maternal health care services. The Toledo Sister Cities Committee collaborated with the Tanga Sister City Committee to address health and sanitation issues; which resulted in planning and delivering the following projects: - the construction of three toilet blocks at Sakarani Garden, Mgandini Market, and Mkwakwani Market, - and a maternity ward at Duga Dispensary in Tanga".
Toilets The toilet facilities were constructed successfully at strategic locations for public use, allowing easy access to residents. Sakarani Garden, Mgandini Market, and Mkwakwani Market are all busy locations with high foot traffic and the facilities serve approximately 50,000 people. A nominal fee is charged for use and the collected money is used to ensure the maintenance and sustainability of the facilities. The facilities are important for proper sanitation and associated health issues.
Maternity Ward The maternity ward at Duga Dispensary was constructed to provide prenatal and maternal health services to expectant mothers, serving up to 25,000 women and children. More often than not, when expectant mothers cannot reach the Regional Hospital they end up giving birth in their homes or other places where it is not safe for the mother and the newborn. The ward was equipped with all the necessary equipment and supplies by the Toledo and Tanga Sister City Committees. The maternity ward will help reduce maternal mortality and HIV transmission between mother and child due to cleaner, more sterile, and professional surroundings.
The completion of the toilet facilities and maternity ward was a tremendous moment. The ceremonial signing was the highlight of the experience for Norma King, Secretary of the Tanga Sister City Committee, since it symbolized the fruit of their meaningful collaboration and hard work throughout the program. Through AUPAP, the sister city relationship was strengthened, although they were friends already, they became closer while working on the projects. Ms. King stated, “People are really the same no matter where they are.” She and her committee were invested in “making the community a better place” and truly enjoyed working with their sister city partners. The Tanga Sister City Committee is excited to continue their sister city relationship and is looking to pursue more development projects in Tanga in the future. cld.bz/bookdata/LUJ83Mw/common/downloads/publication.pdf www.thetruthtoledo.com/pdf/2010/112410pdf.pdf www.thetruthtoledo.com/pdf/2010/112410pdf.pdf www.urbanaillinois.us/posts/2010/04/city-urbana-awarded-signficant-grant-sister-city-project
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