Olaph John
For Olaph John Hendry, water engineering is more than a technical discipline, it’s a pathway to equity, resilience, and lasting community change. Born and raised in Kilimanjaro Region, Olaph grew up with a deep respect for his environment and a growing awareness of the structural challenges facing Tanzanian communities. Today, he channels that perspective into his work as Project Water Engineer at DMDO, where he leads planning, design, and supervision of rural water systems across southern Tanzania.
Olaph holds a bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Engineering from Sokoine University, and has completed specialist training in groundwater modelling at the University of Dodoma, as well as hybrid training through the Water Institute of Technology and Grundfos. “My education background plays a great role when it comes to DMDO learning and adopting new technologies,” he says, especially in the design and construction of civil and water infrastructure.
He began his professional career in 2020 with World Vision Tanzania, working as a Project Officer (Water & Irrigation). There, he collaborated with government authorities and WASH teams to deliver safe water, improve hygiene, and supervise construction projects that met rigorous engineering standards. “I was responsible for designs, drawings, bills of quantities, and supervision,” he explains. He also trained communities on safe water use, equitable access, and long-term maintenance. That early hands-on work laid the foundation for his role at DMDO, which he joined in 2021.
As a key member of DMDO’s WASH team, Olaph oversees the entire project cycle, from concept to completion. “I support the WASH Project Coordinator in ensuring compliance with standards and donor regulations,” he says. “That includes developing concept papers, writing proposals, negotiating with potential donors, and building capacity for WASH staff.” His typical day includes site assessments, pipe network design and field supervision of construction activities.
What makes his work stand out? “Extensive community engagement,” he says simply. “It makes project implementation easier.” That approach has led to one of his proudest achievements: dramatically increasing water accessibility in rural areas. “We’ve expanded access across Lindi and Tunduru districts,” he notes, pointing to the visible improvement in health and daily life across the region.
Olaph’s motivation runs deep. “I’m inspired to serve in resilient initiatives, especially in water, sanitation, hygiene, irrigation, civil works, and agriculture, because I want to bring a positive impact to communities and be part of creating a harmonious environment.” He sees himself as both a technician and a mobiliser: “I have the ability to build teams on relevant topics, including participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation, and vulnerability assessment.”
Outside of work, Olaph enjoys football, PlayStation games and music to recharge. Olaph’s consistent focus on sustainability and systems suggests a foundation of discipline and long-term thinking.
Looking ahead, Olaph hopes to see DMDO continue evolving its engineering standards and investing in sustainable solutions. His goal is clear: to help shape a future where every community has reliable, equitable access to clean water and where local systems are designed to last.
