An investigation of factors affecting sustainability of rope pumps: a case study for selected traditional authorities in Rumphi district, Malawi

Abstract

The Malawi Government has a set of recommended hand pumps as an approach to increase access to potable water, especially in rural areas. Although these approved pumps have contributed in the scaling up of rural water access, some low-cost technologies have also been, unofficially part of the water supply solution. Amongst these is the rope pump, which has been installed on 48 community shallow wells in Rumphi District. This study was conducted to determine water quality, functionality rate and consumer satisfaction of 48 rope pumps in rural Rumphi District. Interviews were conducted, through questionnaires, to establish water users’ perceptions of best practices, guidelines to contribute to the sustainability of the rope pump and their satisfaction with the pump. The study found that cumulatively, (23/48; 48%) rope pumps were non -functional due to different reasons. On water quality, the study found most (22/24; 92%) pumps had water suitable for drinking based on the national Standards for thermotolerant coliforms (MBS, 2005, MS 733). Less than half (11/24; 46%) of the pumps had water suitable for drinking based on the more stringent World Health Organization guidelines for thermotolerant coliforms. Two pumps had water not suitable for human consumption (>200 CFU /100ml), and many (15/24; 63%) pumps supplied water with turbidity of <5 Jackson turbidity units. The pH ranged from 5.9 to 7.3 with no pump exceeding the national standard. In terms of user responses, forty three percent (204/472; 43%) reported that the rope pumps provided uninterrupted service since installation, hence satisfied. The study recommends enhanced capacity building for water committees and siting water points away from potential contaminants. Best practices like responding based on demand, establishment of spare parts supply chain and improved governance should be included in future programming.