Role of hand pump mechanics associations in improving O&M

In 2011 the Ministry of Water and Environment adopted a strategy of establishing district based Hand Pump Mechanics Associations (HPMAs) to strengthen Operation and Maintenance of rural water systems and increase functionality of rural water sources. However, operationalisation of the HPMAs has been mired by several issues including size of available maintenance works, institutional capacity, financing HPMA operations among others. Triple-S and SNV have been helping to develop the institutional capacity of HPMAs in Kabarole, Lira, Arua, Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kyenjojo with the goal of creating self-sustaining effective HPMAs. This note provides a brief update on progress to date, some of the challenges encountered and solutions being explored.