Strategies for Handpump Water Supply Programmes in Less Developed Countries

Community water supply programmes in developing countries frequently utilise wells or boreholes equipped with handpumps as the technology of choice. Whilst simple targets concerning numbers of wells to be drilled, or villages to be served, are often prominent, the wider objectives of such programmes are rarely expressed in quantified terms, and as a consequence programme impact is often disappointing, as well as difficult to evaluate. Because objectives are not clear, programme strategy fails to include all the issues and activities necessary to achieve the maximum beneficial impact on participating communities. In the paper target objectives, and checklists of programme activities and staffing requirements, are proposed. The subject of programme impact is briefly discussed, and a realistic approach to programme evaluation is outlined. The paper is intended both as an aid to project planners and as a guide to managers and evaluators of existing well-handpump programmes.