Enzkreis with
Masasi District (Tanzania)

Enzkreis with
Masasi District (Tanzania)

From a climate partnership in cooperation with the SKEW, a multifaceted partnership arose between the Enzkreis in Baden-Württemberg and the Masasi District in Tanzania. The twin cities are now deeply connected to each other and a wide variety of actors are involved in the collaboration. The focus of the partnership is placed on the implementation of projects in the fields of renewable energies and the promotion of health care.

The installation of solar systems in a hospital, two health centres and 27 health stations in the Masasi District guarantees independence from the power grid and therefore provides a high level of security. This is a great enrichment for the local hospital in particular, as it had very often suffered from power failures before and safe operations, for example during births, were partly impossible. In addition to the solar plants, four biogas facilities were also built. The plants are also used privately, which has greatly reduced the use of wood and charcoal. In addition, technicians and bricklayers have been trained so that the maintenance of the plants can be independently carried out. Furthermore, the partnership also provides support in medical care through cooperation between the Tanzanian hospital and clinics in the Enzkreis.

In this context, the extension of a local clinic and the training of local staff in Tanzania is also taking place.The partnership also offers the Enzkreis great opportunities: for example, it is contributing to fair trade and sustainable procurement. The Enzkreis has already been certified as a Fair Trade county for its sustainable development. Therefore, for example, the main agricultural product from the Masasi Distict, Cashews, is purchased by a student company in the Enzkreis. Furthermore, student exchange programmes were organized within the framework of the partnership. Also some bachelor theses on waste management and the construction of a training centre in Masasi have already been written. The society is also involved in the partnership through out-of-school activities. Annual benefit concerts are organized by the "Sinfonietta Mühlacker e. V.". The profits from the concerts are then donated to the partnership association.

The jury honours the partnership between the Enzkreis and the Masasi District with a nomination among the Top 3 in the category "Municipal Partnerships 2020" of the German Sustainability Award.