Impressions of Tanzania

Ilboru Village

The Ilboru community village (loosely translated from the Kimasai language as "place of the white people" from the location of early missionaries to this area) is located in a northern "suburb" of Arusha. The village includes several residences like the Smith's house scattered in random turnoffs from the main road. Each is protected in a similar manner with a front gate and high hedges. But these are few and mostly hidden away in the cover of the dense growth of trees and bushes. The predominant buildings are a patchwork of small one-room shacks of sticks and mud interspersed with occasional concrete block or wooden huts. The main road (unpaved) winds up through the village with occasional branching offshoots, much like a rabbit warren. There are no names to these roads (mail is delivered only to PO boxes at the post office). The Ilboru road is narrow and usually thronged with foot traffic and animals (dogs, chickens, goats). Occasionally a vehicle will bump and jar its way up or down the trail, pulling aside to allow on-comers to pass.

In the dry season it is very dusty, but this is the wet season and there is a continual stream winding its way down the ditches and occasionally across the road. The homes like the Smith's (set well back from the road) have their own septic systems. But most of the shacks or homes have no plumbing and rely on out-houses. Some homes have only a rock-lined pit for waste that must have the sludge pumped out every year or so. Also, most homes rely on a common water source. We often see children carrying water jugs to their homes. All water must be boiled before using. Electricity and water are supplied to occasional buildings.

Most of the shacks lining the main road are intended for retail use. Many are painted with advertisements or a decription of services offered.There are small stores ("dukas") selling provisions, canned goods or produce, reminiscent of the canteen at a summer camp. All sell about the same things at the same prices. It is a handy source to buy bread or occasional produce. Any fresh produce is washed in disinfectant before using.

The high hedge around the house gives a false impression of privacy. Neighbors are close by. Since the house windows are usually open it is easy to hear the children playing in the next yard. At night Thelma & Louise (the dogs) often chorus with the neighbor's dogs at odd hours, and the roosters in the village wake everyone before dawn.