Improving community based management of boreholes : a case study from Malawi

This paper examines ways in which the rate of hand-pump sustainability may be improved. The main conclusion is that sustainability is more likely through using good quality products, and by assuring reliable management services are provided by the users. The latter should be backed up by a reliable spares supply chain as well as by locally available mechanics trained in advanced repairs. A hand pump is more valued when the users accept that health and economic benefits result from improved water and sanitation and hygiene education. These factors may contribute significantly towards sustainability, but they are not a guarantee for it. There are several unknowns, such as responsibility, commitment, goodwill, how the intervention of water point affects relationships within a "community", and the effect of key individuals on management. The analysis and suggestions presented here are a result of the author's experience with hundreds of user groups for over five years in Malawi.