Village 5, Mutoko, Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe

When the hand pump in Village 5 broke down, the 85 residents became desperate for water. They resorted to using rainwater collection devices for all of their needs. Yet they soon realized that these sources were insufficient during dry seasons and the hot summer months when they had no water. They made hand-dug wells that collected shallow groundwater, but this still did not fully alleviate their need. They rationed their water carefully but often went thirsty or without water for chores or hygiene.

There were other problems caused by the water crisis. The water from both the hand-dug wells and the rainwater collection was unsafe for consumption. Yet the community members had no other choice and therefore frequently fell ill. When they were suffering from water-related illnesses, they lost valuable time working to provide for their families. The water crisis was also harming the community’s socio-economic stability.

Some leaders in the community learned about projects we were doing in the region. They had hope that we could help them too, and so they reached out to request assistance. When our staff received the request, they scheduled a visit to the community to see what could be done. Once they arrived and surveyed the area, they informed the community that they could complete a rehabilitation of an existing, dysfunctional well.

The staff soon returned and set to work on the rehabilitation project. They dredged out the well shaft until they reached a safe aquifer of water 56 meters deep. They performed water quality tests to ensure that the water was safe for drinking. They then cased the well, installed a submersible pump, poured a sanitary well platform, and enclosed the well with a protective cement wall. The project was complete!

Our team wanted to help the community members learn how to manage their safe water sustainably. They therefore taught them how to pump their well properly to prevent damage and how to store water in a sanitary way. They also guided the community’s nomination of a water caretaker. The caretaker will oversee the use and care of the pump and also collect a small fee per household for water usage in order to save a fund for any future repair costs. The community members were proud to take responsibility of managing their safe water well.

A sanitation and hygiene promotion activity was held for the community, and 37 people participated. The lessons were interactive and utilized visual elements. The participants learned that the careful practice of healthy habits would keep their safe water well from being contaminated. They then presented the best way to counteract this threat. They gave the community members a chance to practice proper technique. The community members were inspired to practice improved hygiene and sanitation in their homes.

COMMUNITY DETAILS

Exact Coordinates:	Latitude: -17.32478 Longitude: 32.2394
Previous Water:	Hand Pump
Total Users:	85

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Pump Type:	Hand Pump
Depth of Well:	50 m