The Building Bricks of Prosperity
The arrival of constant water access in Mikongi Village in Mtama District Council has reshaped daily lives of people. Through the efforts of DMDO, with support from World Vision and the Grille Foundation, water has become a catalyst for growth; uplifting families, strengthening the local economy and planting seeds of long-term development.
Arabi Said Jongoo’s Story
Arabi Said in front his brick-making machine.
Arabi Said Jongoo, a resident of Mikongi Village saw an opportunity the moment water became reliably available. He invested Tsh 3,500,000 (US$1,400) in purchasing a brick-making machine and other startup costs. This venture that was previously impossible due to water scarcity. With water now flowing reliably, Arabi turned his vision into reality.
Production and Profitability
Daily water usage: Average 600 litres
Average daily brick production: 300 bricks,
Average profit from 300 bricks he gets about 90,000 Tsh (US$35)
“With assurance of about 500 Ltrs to 1000 Ltrs of water per day in our village premise, I was confident that if I invest in bricks making, the business will sustain and I will get profit as well as raise confidence to costumers through availability of quality bricks as per customer demand provided that now majority are willing to construct their houses using sand cement bricks” Arabi says
Workers arranging bricks
Family Life Transformed
Arabi is a husband and father of five. Two of his children are in secondary school and two are in primary school. Through his brick-making business:
He can afford school fees and supplies for his children;
His family enjoys accessing all of their basic needs; and
He is able to maintain his cashew and cassava farms by purchasing pesticides and covering cleaning costs.
“The availability of enough water in our village changed our life, it creates other opportunities like what I do for those who have positive mind on the use of water apart from domestic purpose” Arabi says
Broader Social and Economic Impact
The arrival of water has unlocked:
Entrepreneurship: Like Arabi’s brick-making venture
Improved agriculture: Thanks to easier access to water
Better education: Children can attend school consistently
Health and hygiene: Clean water is available for household use
Employment: This project has created employment opportunity for 3 young people working at Arabi’s business.
Water is Life, Water is Progress
Arabi Said Jongoo’s story is a powerful testament to how access to water can transform lives. What was once a dream is now a thriving business that supports a family and contributes to the community. Through Arabi, Many people will learn to view water as an opportunity for economic growth and not just as a basic need only.
