When considering water storage solutions in Tanzania, the choices can be as varied as the landscapes they serve. From bustling urban centers to remote farming communities, each setting presents its own challenges and demands. As the Marketing Director and Head of Aid for African Aqua Solutions (AAS), I want to share insights into the water storage options available, highlighting how we've integrated these solutions into our operations to solve real-world problems.
The Landscape of Water Storage Solutions in Tanzania
Water storage needs vary widely across Tanzania. Options available include traditional hard-shell tanks sourced locally, dam liners that offer flexibility for agricultural purposes, and steel tanks imported from global suppliers. Pricing for these solutions can range from affordable to premium, depending on the material, size, and the logistics of transportation.
Hard-shell tanks, commonly sourced from local manufacturers, are well-regarded for their durability and simplicity. However, the bulkiness of these tanks often requires heavy machinery for transport and installation, limiting their practicality in remote or elevated locations. Prices for these tanks range significantly, with smaller capacities (1,000L to 3,000L) being more budget-friendly, while larger sizes (5,000L to 10,000L) can quickly become expensive.
Dam liners, often sourced from neighboring countries, provide a flexible solution for larger water storage needs, especially in agriculture. Their adaptability to different shapes and sizes makes them suitable for farms and irrigation dams. However, while cost-effective on a per-square-meter basis, they come with their own challenges, the low quality of material often used in manufacturing leads to issues like susceptibility to punctures or poor durability in our harsh climate.
Steel tanks imported from global markets, including China, offer robust and long-term solutions but often come with higher price tags due to shipping costs, tariffs, and potential quality control issues. While they are ideal for industrial applications, their high cost and transportation logistics often render them less accessible for smaller operations or individual users.
Our Journey with Water Storage Solutions
At African Aqua Solutions, our approach to water storage has always been driven by necessity. We’ve encountered firsthand the challenges of managing water resources in diverse environments—from the arid plains where our livestock graze to the bustling urban areas where our partners operate. Over time, we found that existing solutions often fell short when it came to flexibility, durability, or ease of use. That’s when we began exploring alternatives that could not only meet our needs but also help others facing similar challenges.
At AAS, we believe in solving problems with practical, proven solutions. We don’t just sell water storage options; we use them ourselves across our operations. Over the years, we have built a range of products, such as PORTATANK®, Bladders, and Dam Liners, based on our firsthand experiences of what works best in East Africa.
PORTATANK®: A Solution Born from Necessity
One of our biggest breakthroughs came with the inclusion of the PORTATANK® to our water storage range. Initially, we needed a solution that could be easily transported to our farms in remote areas where conventional, hard-shell tanks were impractical due to their size and weight. We always wonder how many millions of dollars in fuel are wasted each year carrying around a load of air! The PORTATANK® provided a perfect answer. You don't need to! The modular design allows us to ship 138 units in a 20ft container, or transport them on the back of a motorcycle, with small, passenger vehicles, or even using traditional dhows, and it could be assembled quickly on-site, even in the most inaccessible locations.
What started as a solution for our own use quickly became a vital resource for others. With PORTATANK®, we’ve been able to provide water storage to some of the most remote areas, from small farms tucked away in the hills to communities cut off by seasonal floods. We even supplied PORTATANK® to high a end lodge in the middle of the Nyerere Game Reserve (Selous) by small passenger aircraft—allowing us to respond to the emergency swiftly. The setup was straightforward, and within an hour of arrival, they had a functioning water storage system back online. Today this is their permanent system, used in their daily operations, four years later.
Cost-Effective and High-Quality Storage Solutions: Dam Liners and Bladders
At African Aqua Solutions, our dam liners and bladders provide reliable and cost-effective water storage options for a variety of applications, including agriculture, mining, and tourism. The spec we work with is the real deal, using 550g reinforced PVC, the liners are specially designed for durability and flexibility, making them ideal for creating long-lasting water reservoirs for farms, on mining locations and construction sites. These liners are UV-stabilized and built to withstand harsh climates, ensuring minimal water loss and maximum efficiency over time.
Our bladders are another versatile option, perfect for scenarios requiring temporary or semi-permanent storage. Made from UV-stabilized, reinforced PVC, our bladders are not only lightweight and easy to transport but also incredibly durable. They come with an extended warranty, reflecting their long lifespan and resilience against wear and tear. These qualities make them suitable for diverse uses, such as storing water, fertilizers, or even non-potable liquids in remote locations or areas with challenging access.
Both our dam liners and bladders offer a practical alternative to more rigid water storage solutions, providing flexibility, high quality, and cost savings. Whether it’s for expanding irrigation systems on a farm, supporting mining operations, or creating temporary storage in the tourism sector, our products are built to serve a wide range of needs across various industries in East Africa.
A Commitment to Problem Solving
At African Aqua Solutions, our mission is to offer practical, effective water storage solutions that address the specific challenges of our region. We know these challenges because we live them ourselves. We understand the logistics, the constraints, and the urgency that often accompanies water storage needs. That’s why we’ve focused on solutions that are easy to transport, simple to set up, and robust enough to last.
In the end, it’s not just about selling a product—it’s about providing a service that helps people solve problems, make their lives easier, and build a more sustainable future. From remote villages to bustling urban centers, our products are there, serving not just as water storage solutions but as lifelines that keep communities thriving.
If you’d like to learn more about our solutions or discuss how we can help you with your specific needs, please reach out, our phones are always on. We’re here to help make sure everyone has access to reliable, sustainable water storage.
AAS WhatsApp Business: +255 745 273 753
James' Personal Line: +255 746 383 919
Author - James Bruce Taylor - Head of Aid & Marketing Director for AAS
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