Water Sparks Construction Boom in Namupa Village
In Namupa village, Mtama District Council, life has taken a decisive turn. Thanks to a water initiative led by DMDO in partnership with the Grille Foundation and World Vision Tanzania, residents who once struggled with scarcity are now investing in stronger homes and a more resilient community.
Before Water Access: Building Against the Odds
Until recently, construction in Namupa faced constant obstacles:
Villagers walked more than 2 kilometres to fetch water, often from rivers and lowlands.
Water for construction had to be purchased at high prices, making projects slow and costly.
Cement blocks, which require large volumes of water to harden properly, were difficult to produce locally.
Builders and homeowners faced long delays due to unreliable water access.
The Turning Point: Water Arrives
With the arrival of piped water and household connections through DMDO, construction has accelerated:
Readily available water has made projects faster and more affordable.
Locally produced cement blocks are now stronger and more durable.
Families are investing in permanent housing, replacing temporary shelters with lasting homes.
Builders like Paschal Mpunga report that projects move swiftly, with fewer delays and lower costs.
Farming and small businesses are also benefiting, creating a cycle of growth across the village.
Paschal Mpunga at his household water tap
Voices from the Field
Paschal Mpunga explains the difference:
“In the past we faced many challenges in building houses because water was only available far away in the valleys, more than 2 kilometres. People had to spend a lot of money to send people to fetch water for construction. Now water is nearby even cement blocks, which need a lot of water, are easier to make and much stronger.”
Paschal Mpunga watering bricks in front of his new house, which has its own water tap.
Water as the Foundation of Progress
DMDO’s household water connections are changing more than daily routines—they are laying the foundation for long-term development:
More families are installing taps at home, lifting the burden of fetching water.
Freed resources are being channelled into building and home improvement.
Better hygiene and health now go hand-in-hand with improved housing.
Reliable access to water has inspired a wave of community investment and confidence.
In Namupa, water now means possibility. Long walks and shortages have given way to new homes, stronger infrastructure and a renewed sense of progress. The community is fixing what once held it back and ensuring that every family has the chance of a better future.
