Community Development Entrepreneurs were trained to install rainwater harvesting systems at Mobamba primary school and will sell low cost, high quality RWH units to the surrounding community
Narrative
An eight thousand liter water tank was placed at Mobamba primary school. Thirty five meters of high quality plastic guttering was also used to feed this tank. We also placed a first flush system in accordance to current best practices for RWH systems. The ACI team worked with local staff from the community surrounding the school in training and construction of the RWH system.
Sustainability
Creating and measuring long-term impact
Community health promoters that have been trained by ACI will be visiting the school twice a month to conduct school club meetings. During these visits they will check on the RWH system to make sure that it is functioning at the highest possible level. The lines of communication between the ACI office and the network of community health promoters is very good and we can trust in accurate reporting from these individuals. The five USD cost will be meet by the school as previously stated in a previous agreement signed by all parties involved. This will cover the cost of replacement moving parts of the RWH system and damages due to improper use. This will also cover the cost of any extra silicone that is needed to reseal the gutter runs due to leek ages or wear of the original silicone.
Other Issues
Unusual and unexpected issues faced during project execution
We had an issue with the tank at the school. Our plastic tanks were deliver to all the schools at once so it took some time for the construction team to visit each school. The school took it upon themselves to position their tank under an eve in the roof to have it collect water. This posed a large problem for the construction team as the tank was full of water. We had to drain the tank since our construction schedule was so tight and some of the water that had been previously collected went to waste.
Learnings
Knowledge of project and process for sharing
Make sure instructions for storage of materials before construction takes place are very specific. If your instructions are not down to the very last detail problems could arise in the use and storage of the materials.
Impact
People Impacted: 506
People Getting Safe Drinking Water: 504
Number of students, teachers and support staff at the school on a normal day. We gathered this number through a survey given to all ACI partner schools before the implementation of the RWH program.
School Children Getting Water: 491
Number of students, nursery school through standard eight. In conjunction with the bio-sand water filter program already in place and increased access to water within the school compound. We gathered this number through a survey given to all ACI partner schools before the implementation of the RWH program.
People Getting Sanitation: 504
All students, teachers and support staff present at the school on a normal day. In conjunction with the ACI hand washing stations already in place at the school and improved access to water within the compound. We gathered this number through a survey given to all ACI partner schools before the implementation of the RWH program.
People Getting Other Benefits: 2
Community development entrepreneur and community health promoter, both ACI trained personnel who work in or around the school compound on a regular basis. Training received through the implementation of the RWH program has increased their skill set and value to their community as a resource on water purification, sanitation and hygiene.
