Haji Ibrahim Asmalji Mulla Water Works, Jogwad

History of Haji Ibrahim Asmalji Mulla Water Works

From Traditional Water Systems to a Sustainable Future

Before the construction of the waterworks, villagers relied on a Hawado (trough), where buffaloes and cows drank water. An old Kuvo (well), still present beside the waterworks building, was used for water collection. Before electricity was available in Jogwad, water was drawn using a Bull-Powered Water Wheel Irrigation System, locally known as Rehat (Reth). Villagers would bring their bulls to extract water from the well and fill the trough for the animals to drink.
To ensure the maintenance of the Hawado, the Sunni Muslim Jamat allocated agricultural land near the Primary School, next to Yusifali Salim Desai’s house, to Mohan Bhai from Goja Faliya (Kangwai). His responsibility was to fill the Hawado daily at 4:00 AM using his bull.
Introduction of Electricity: In February 1979, Shabbir Bhai Patel and Gulam Mahmad Desai paid the deposit for an electricity connection, accompanied by Ibrahim Makda (Mota Bhai) and Chhana Bhai. The first electricity connection in Jogwad was provided to the Water Works, allowing the installation of an electric water pump in the well to fill the large water tank. A technician from the Electricity Board later visited the village to educate the people on using electricity, as it was a new development for them. By 1980, electricity was extended to the entire village.
Incident of 1992 – Water Pump Breakdown: During the summer of 1992, in the month of Ramazan, the electric water pump at the waterworks burned out. At that time, Saleh Bhai Makda was managing the waterworks. He informed Shabbir Bhai Patel, who then sought assistance from Khalil Hasan Desai, the only person in the village with a vehicle.
They traveled to Chikhli Town in search of a repair shop. There, they learned that a water pump belonging to Salim Bhai Patel from Alipur had just been repaired. They contacted him via landline, requesting a temporary exchange to address the water crisis. However, Salim Bhai Patel was also facing a similar issue at his worksite. Understanding the urgency, Shabbir Bhai Patel urged the repair shop to expedite their work. After a few days, the pump was successfully repaired, restoring the water supply for the village.
Maintenance and Renovations: During his tenure as Mutawalli of the Sunni Muslim Jamat, Shabbir Bhai Patel took the initiative to repaint the Water Works. The painting contract was given to the brother of Munna Abdul Samad Pathan. Along with the Water Works, the Jumma Masjid and Makhtab were also repainted, costing ₹4,50,000.