Community Development Entrepreneurs were trained to install rainwater harvesting systems at Mochenwa primary school and will sell low cost, high quality RWH units to the surrounding community
Narrative
This school received one 7,500 L tank with 40 m of high quality gutter feeding it. They also received two 3,500 L tanks with 30 m of gutter feeding. The school also had several existing tanks upon which the ACI team constructed another 37 m of high quality gutter. This was one of the physically largest projects that the ACI team undertook, that was a challenge within its self but the amount of water that will be able to be collected from these tanks will be an enormous payoff for the school.
Sustainability
Creating and measuring long-term impact
The community health promoter in the area will be holding meetings of a school club for the children twice a month. During these visits she will be able to check on the performance of the RWH system and report any problems she finds directly to the ACI office. The five USD is covered by the school according to the agreement the school and stakeholders signed prior to construction of the RWH system. This cost will cover any breakages due to poor use and silicone costs if the system begins to leak because of wear and tear on the gutter runs.
Other Issues
Unusual and unexpected issues faced during project execution
The existing tanks at this school were an issue for the team. The school and previously signed an agreement stating they would fix the taps on the remaining tanks to ensure the tank and system would function properly. They did not hold up their end of the bargain before the ACI team arrived. This caused us within the ACI team to question the management of the school as well as the potential for misuse of the ACI tanks and taps once they were constructed. The problem was resolved and the school management proved to the team that they were able to take care of the tanks.
Learnings
Knowledge of project and process for sharing
It is important to double check requirements for both parties and make sure that all involved groups are clear on their responsibilities. Simply calling ahead a few days before getting to sight can solve many of these issues.
Impact
People Impacted: 821
People Getting Safe Drinking Water: 819
Total number of students, teachers and support staff present at the school on a given day. In conjunction with the ACI bio sand water filter program already implemented at the schools and increased access to water within the school compound. The school will be able to use the bio sand water filter project to its full potential and supply all individuals at the school with sufficient clean water daily. We gathered this information from a survey done of all ACI partner schools done before the implementation of the RWH program.
School Children Getting Water: 798
Total number of students, nursery class through standard eight present at the school on a normal day. We gathered this information from a survey done of all ACI partner schools done before the implementation of the RWH program.
People Getting Sanitation: 819
Total number of students, teachers and support staff present at the school on a given day. In conjunction with the ACI hand washing station program and easier access to water within the school compound the hand washing stations we be more easily used. We gathered this information from a survey done of all ACI partner schools done before the implementation of the RWH program.
People Getting Other Benefits: 2
Community development entrepreneur and community health promoter, both ACI trained individuals were trained in the construction of RWH system construction. Through this knowledge they will both become better suited to inform their communities on RWH, sanitation and hygiene.
