AfricaWaterBank.org

What does a successful community water supply system in Africa look like? The four broad areas below outline what makes a water point work – and keep working.

Technical

• A competitive contracting market exists – and a choice of contractors is available
• Appropriate technology has been selected – in consultation with local people – and is suitable for the geo-technical characteristics of the site (such as shallow well vs pumped borehole vs rainwater harvesting).
• Contractors are technically proficient – have a track record – and are able to construct good-quality infrastructure.
• Proper quality control/supervision of construction is available and is effective.

Social

• The community water management committee is strong – understands the options available and is representative and attentive to both men’s and women’s views.
• There is an agreed process for fixing access rights and prices.
• People are willing to pay the agreed price.
• Income is recorded correctly.
• Funds are safeguarded against misuse and accumulate year on year.
• There is a process for resolving conflicts.
• Access for the poor or vulnerable is protected.

Repair and maintenance

• Two community members are trained in basic maintenance and management of the water point
• Maintenance practices are properly understood by all community members.
• Everyone understands how to use the pump properly and reduce wear and tear.
• Revenues are sufficient to pay for recurrent repairs and any investment required for a new or upgraded system
• There is a clear process for deciding on a repair/investment.
• There is clear responsibility for who calls for a mechanic and when.
• Skilled mechanics are available.
• Repair costs are known and a market exists.
• The mechanic can source spare parts in a timely fashion.
• There is a rapid mechanism, such as cell phone number, for contacting mechanics.
• The committee regularly accounts transparently to the community about how it has used funds.

Local government (community/district)

• The status of all existing water points is known and in the public domain.
• The existing coverage of water supply and sanitation in the area is known and in the public domain.
• There is a process for prioritizing budgets/interventions and coordinating NGO/donor contributions.
• Capacity exists to contract and supervise works.
• Decision makers are accountable to their constituents.
• Processes are in place to share knowledge and experience on water and sanitation between communities in the District/County.
• Good technical advice is given and available to communities to help them solve water point problems.
• Communities are empowered to find solutions to their own water and sanitation issues.

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