Capacity Building of Water Point Committees
The Capacity Building of Water Point Committees (WPCs) project, funded by Japanese Tobacco International (JTI) Malawi, aimed to strengthen local communities’ ability to manage and maintain their water systems. Implemented in Lilongwe, Machinga, Rumphi, Ntchisi, Kasungu, Dedza, Mzimba, and Dowa districts, the project focused on empowering WPCs through targeted training on the operation and maintenance of Afridev hand pumps.
Project Goals:
The primary objective was to ensure sustainable access to potable water by equipping WPC members with the necessary technical and financial skills to maintain their water systems, conduct repairs, and manage community water resources effectively.
Key Components of the Project:
1. Comprehensive Training:
The training was conducted over 12 days in each district, reaching a total of 304 members from 30 Water Point Committees. The sessions focused on both theory and practical aspects of Afridev hand pump repairs, covering minor and major maintenance tasks, fundraising for pump maintenance, pump security systems, documentation, and sanitation promotion. Participants were trained in leadership, dynamic team skills, and hygiene promotion to ensure they could effectively manage their water points.
2. Technical and Financial Management:
Training included the establishment of borehole banking systems, where communities learned how to fundraise and manage funds for future repairs and maintenance. This financial component ensured that WPCs were not only technically capable but also financially prepared to sustain their water infrastructure.
3. Collaboration with Government Agencies:
BASEDA worked in collaboration with personnel from District Water Offices, Health Surveillance Assistants, and Community Development Offices to facilitate the training sessions. This cooperation ensured that the WPCs received technical support from government agencies, further strengthening their capacity to manage water resources effectively.
4. Provision of Spare Parts:
To support WPCs in their maintenance efforts, BASEDA provided each committee with start-up spare parts, including essential items like bush bearings, O-rings, U-seals, and more. These resources were critical to ensuring the committees could immediately begin maintaining their water points post-training.
Key Achievements:
– Trained 304 members from 30 Water Point Committees across 8 districts.
– Provided each committee with the skills to manage water points and carry out regular maintenance of Afridev hand pumps.
– Distributed start-up spare parts and training manuals to support sustainable water access.
– Collaborated with local government officials to enhance the capacity and sustainability of WPCs.
– Promoted sanitation and hygiene in tandem with water maintenance efforts, ensuring comprehensive community health improvements.
This project significantly enhanced the capacity of local communities to manage their water systems independently, ensuring long-term access to clean water while fostering ownership and accountability among the WPCs. Through training, technical support, and resource provision, BASEDA empowered communities to take charge of their water infrastructure.
