Water at Home Brings Health, Joy and New Opportunities to Ally’s Family

Ally Nyale and his wives collecting water at their home tap

Said Ally Nyale (49) from Malungo Village, Mtama District Council, Lindi Region, a father of twelve children and husband to four wives, for years his family endured the daily struggle of living without clean and safe water. Their only source was a shallow well dug at home, collecting rainwater runoff. This water was not clean or safe and smelled bad. During the dry season the well would run dry, forcing the family to walk more than two kilometers to fetch water from a nearby pond, which was also unsafe.

The dug well that Nyale’s family relied on for water before DMDO intervention

“When our well dried up, we had to struggle walking to the valleys to find water. It was tiring and sometimes we failed to do other activities.” Asha, Nyale’s wife

The consequences were severe. Nyale’s family often suffered from waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and stomach infections, which forced them to spend money on medical treatment. The children missed school or arrived late because they spent hours fetching water. Household hygiene was poor, and farming activities suffered because of water scarcity.

A Turning Point

In September 2025, hope arrived. Through the efforts of DMDO, supported by funds from the Grille Foundation, Malungo village received a modern water distribution system. Public water points with smart prepaid meters and water smart cards were installed to ensure fair access and sustainable management. Although this was a breakthrough, Nyale’s family still faced challenges. The nearest water point was 82 meters from their home, and with twelve children and four wives, collecting enough water was difficult. At times, family members had to wait for one another to collect water, which created delays and inconveniences.

To cope, they continued using water from their old well for laundry and toilet cleaning. However, this was risky because utensils and containers were often mixed between safe and unsafe water. Recognizing these challenges, Mr. Nyale took a bold step. With an investment of just $205 for a smart water meter, fittings, and pipes, the water operator (CBWSO) connected clean water directly to his home. Today, the family no longer uses runoff water and relies only on safe water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

Ally Nyale trained on how to operate the water meter after installation at his home by CBWSO and DMDO team

“With tap at home, our lives have changed. We are free from unsafe sources, and my children now study happily and without delay. Nyale shared

Since connecting water at home, the family now uses an average of 200 litres daily, a big change from before when they had to limit consumption because of the distance to the public point. This step has transformed their lives. While public distribution points remain vital for the wider community, the household connection has given Nyale’s family dignity, convenience, and protection from waterborne diseases. It shows how extending water access from public points to homes can multiply the impact of clean water investment, turning access into true empowerment.

“Safe water has brought joy to our home, we feel healthier, happier and more hopeful.” Nyale shared

Life Transformed

The impact was immediate and profound. With water flowing at home:

• Health is improving: The family has already seen fewer stomach illnesses since gaining clean and safe water.

• Education restored: Children attend school regularly, free from the burden of water collection.

• Time reclaimed: The family now dedicates more hours to farming cashews and cassava, boosting productivity and income.

• Dignity regained: Household hygiene and sanitation have greatly improved, bringing pride and joy to the family.

• Hope for more agricultural gains: Last year, Ally harvested 4.5 tons of cashew, earning over $3460. With water now at home, he believes harvest will increase further as the family now dedicate more energy and time to farming instead of finding water.

Ally Nyale with his family

Joy and Progress

Today, the Nyale household is full of gratitude and happiness. What was once a daily struggle has become a story of transformation. Clean water has unlocked opportunities for better health, education, and economic growth