Programme overview
A programme concept to deliver complete community water systems, from source to tap, including solar pumping, storage, treatment, distribution, sanitation and a local maintenance model.
Intended community benefits
- Safe drinking water close to home
- Less time spent collecting water, mainly by women and girls
- Fewer water-borne illnesses
- Water for schools and clinics
- Local jobs in operation and maintenance
The problem
Millions of African families still collect water from unprotected sources, often walking long distances. Many existing water points fail within a few years because nobody is trained or funded to maintain them.
Proposed interventions
- Hydrogeological surveys and borehole drilling
- Solar pumping and elevated storage
- Treatment and water quality monitoring
- Kiosks or piped connections
- School and clinic sanitation blocks
- Hygiene promotion
Delivery and operating model
Delivery model
Community needs assessment, technical feasibility and an agreed management model come first. Construction by qualified contractors is followed by training of a water committee or utility operator, then monitoring for at least three years.
Sustainable operating model
Affordable user tariffs or prepaid dispensers fund a maintenance reserve; trained local technicians and a spare-parts supply chain keep systems running.
Beneficiaries and partners
Target beneficiary groups
Potential partners
Proposed impact indicators
- People with improved water access
- System functionality after 12 and 36 months
- Water quality compliance
- Time saved collecting water
