Clean Water and a Functional Business: How One Pharmacy Survived and Grew

Philip Tamba — March 2025

Yusta Hilolimus Ngonyani, a pharmacist in Chiuta village, faced persistent operational costs and logistical barriers that limited the growth of her small business. The main constraint: lack of access to clean and reliable water.

Yusta Ngonyani at her home

“To keep my pharmacy operational, I had no choice but to purchase bottled water every day, at least seven liters, to ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water in my shop,” she recalls. “This daily routine cost me over Tsh 5,000 (USD 1.92) from local shops, or sometimes I had to arrange deliveries of 60 litres from Tandahimba, 33 kilometres away, which cost about Tsh 8,000 (USD 3.08), including transport fees.”

Access to clean water was not just a household need—it was a business requirement. Without it, customers couldn’t take medication on-site, and basic hygiene in the pharmacy was compromised. Sourcing water daily diverted time from operations and reduced her capacity to serve clients. Her weekly profits rarely exceeded Tsh 70,000 (USD 27), with some weeks yielding as little as Tsh 50,000 (USD 19). “I spent so much time and money just trying to keep my business afloat,” she says.

Yusta at her Pharmacy

Water Access and Cost Reduction

Through DMDO’s WASH+ programme, clean water infrastructure was introduced in Chiuta. Yusta initially began collecting water using a smart card at a nearby public distribution point—70 metres from her home. She used between 100 and 140 litres per day, supporting both household consumption and pharmacy operations. This access reduced the time and financial burden associated with bottled and delivered water. Her weekly profits rose to over Tsh 100,000 (USD 38), occasionally reaching Tsh 150,000 (USD 58).

Later, her household was connected directly to the water network via a prepaid meter. She now uses around 160 litres daily at a cost of just Tsh 10,000 (USD 3.85) per month. The elimination of water-fetching and bottled purchases further improved her business efficiency. With more time to focus on operations, her weekly profits increased to approximately Tsh 200,000 (USD 77).

Yusta smiles with joy as she enjoys clean and safe water, available at her home.

“Now I don’t need to spend my profits on bottled water or arrange deliveries anymore,” Yusta says. “My pharmacy runs smoothly, and my customers are happy with the improved service.”

Household Sanitation and Use of Increased Income

DMDO’s intervention also included sanitation and hygiene marketing. With increased income, Yusta was able to complete the construction of her home and invest in her household latrine. She installed a SATO pan—a low-cost, water-sealing toilet technology—and tiled the floor. These upgrades are functional: they help control odour, prevent flies from entering the latrine, and make cleaning easier. This has a direct effect on reducing exposure to faecal pathogens, which drive common illnesses in low-service environments.

Yusta’s improved latrine with the SATO Pan.

“Having water readily available means our latrine stays clean all the time. Our health has greatly improved as a result,” she explains.

Practical Results

Yusta’s business now operates with fewer overhead costs and greater reliability. Her household sanitation has improved, and she reports better health conditions. These outcomes reflect the intended impact of the WASH+ approach—delivering integrated services that address both individual livelihoods and public health risks.

“Access to clean water has transformed everything for me,” she says.