Clean Water, Thriving Business: How Reliable Water Transformed Rehema and Faudhia’s Food Business
Philip Tamba — March 2025
Introduction
For years, Rehema Nangwalanya and her younger sister Faudhia Nalinga struggled to keep their small food business running at Nambahu Market in Mtama District. Like many small vendors, they depended on a limited and costly water supply, paying TZS 1,000 per 20 liters or walking 7 kilometers to Malungo pond just to fetch water. The time and cost involved often forced them to close their business, cutting into their income and limiting their ability to grow.
That changed when the DMDO, with support from partners from the Grille Foundation and World Vision, introduced a reliable, affordable water supply to the community.
Rehema (left) and her young sister Faudhia (right) preparing food for Customers
The Impact of Reliable Water
With access to clean, safe, and affordable water at just TZS 50 per 20 liters, Rehema and Faudhia’s business became more stable and profitable.
Increased Income – Daily earnings rose from TZS 12,000–18,000 to TZS 30,000, as they could now cook and sell food consistently.
Improved Hygiene – With enough water to maintain proper sanitation, their kitchen meets higher hygiene standards, boosting customer trust.
More Time for Business – No longer having to fetch water, they can focus on serving customers and expanding their business.
"Before, we had to close our restaurant to fetch water. Now, with reliable water, we operate daily, and our income has increased," says Rehema.
Customer Trust & Business Growth
Customers eating food at Rehema and Faudhia restaurant
With a stable water supply, Rehema and Faudhia have been able to restore customer confidence and increase sales. Customers who had stopped coming due to inconsistent service are now returning, knowing that the restaurant operates every day without interruption.
"The customers we lost because of water shortages are coming back. Now, we are confident in providing for our families and saving to grow our business."
Sustaining the Water Supply for Long-Term Impact
A Community-Based Water Supply Organization (CBWSO), in collaboration with local government authorities, ensures that the water system remains operational, protected, and financially sustainable. The CBWSO handles daily operations, maintenance, and repairs, while local authorities prevent vandalism and raise community awareness about the importance of safeguarding the infrastructure.
Clean Water is More Than Just Convenience—It’s a Path to Economic Growth
Rehema and Faudhia’s story is one of entrepreneurship enabled by reliable infrastructure. Their journey highlights how access to water is not just about health—it’s about opportunity, financial resilience, and dignity. With consistent and affordable water, businesses can operate efficiently, generate higher income and plan for the future.
