Mipingo’s Water Economy: A Young Entrepreneur Turns Clean Water into Income
When clean and safe water arrived in Mipingo village in 2021, it changed more than public health - it created a platform for local enterprise.
Ismaily Likong’ola, a 32-year-old resident, runs a water delivery business using his motorcycle. Each day, he buys water at $0.02 per 20-litre jerrycan from the village water point and transports it to nearby villages like Matapwa, 7 km away. On a typical day, Ismaily delivers 48 jerrycans (960 liters in total) earning $9.23 in revenue and clearing a profit of $4.46 after fuel and water purchase costs.
“We used to struggle so much with water. Now it’s close to our homes. I fetch and sell it to nearby villages and I can support my family.”
Ismaily’s business supports his household expenses and provides a reliable source of income in a region where formal employment is limited. It also plays a wider role: communities like Matapwa, which still lack a functioning water system, are now being served through informal private-sector distribution.
From Scarcity to Access
Before the DMDO-installed system was introduced, Mipingo faced the kinds of challenges common across rural Lindi District:
Families walked over 15 kilometers to fetch water from seasonal valleys.
Children missed school to help with collection.
Outbreaks of waterborne disease were frequent.
Productive time was lost daily to water access.
“We struggled every single day. Even to get that poor quality water, we had to walk long distances to valleys. Our children were late to school and we lost valuable time that could have been used for other development activities,” says Ismaily.
The installation of water points within the village dramatically reduced collection time and costs. The water is affordable and households use it for drinking, cooking, washing, and small-scale agricultural needs. Health outcomes have improved, and so has time available for work and school.
Water as a Platform for Enterprise
Ismaily’s delivery business is part of a broader pattern. With easier access to water:
Farmers spray crops and irrigate more consistently.
Women running food stalls can cook and clean more efficiently.
Families are planting vegetable gardens, improving food security.
Several young people in the village have followed Ismaily’s lead. Motorbike delivery now connects Mipingo to surrounding villages, creating economic links and extending the reach of the water system beyond its immediate infrastructure.
“We no longer survive alone, we earn money but we also help others gain access to clean and safe water.”
Looking Ahead
DMDO plans to upgrade Mipingo’s system from postpaid to prepaid smart meters, improving cost recovery and reliability. The model allows reinvestment into nearby underserved areas like Matapwa, where mobile delivery is still the only option.
Mipingo’s experience shows that rural water supply isn’t just a service - it can be a springboard for economic activity. With the right infrastructure, young people can become not just beneficiaries, but drivers of growth.
