Associations of pump mechanics in Uganda help improve functioning of handpumps

Five district-based associations of handpump mechanics have started to help improve functioning of handpumps in West Nile, Uganda. Some districts have up to 96% functionality rate due to the maintenance and repair work by members of the association who are now working under contracts from the district government water office. There is also evidence that these associations strengthen accountability mechanisms. Water users in Kibaale can hold the association accountable for work carried out by pump mechanics in the district, with local radio announcements and mobile unit.

The Dutch SNV organisation started piloting this process to help improve service delivery in Adjumani district in 2008 with establishing of a registered association that started with 27 paying members, elected leadership and a bank account. Further assistance was given by coaching and mentoring of the leadership and issues of procurement; business development skills; and reporting.

Lack of district funds

But lack of district funds for maintenance is threatening the most successful association in Kibaale district that has 42 paying members out of of a total of 132 people involved in handpump repairs in the district. “As a result they are now cleaning hospitals to keep their business going”, Lucrezia Koestler from Fontes Foundation said in one of the many discussions during IRC' s 2010 symposium.

These field experiences from Uganda illustrate the linkages between costs, financing and accountability for sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services that were presented and debated by 110 participants based on 42 presentations and plenary sessions. At the end the symposium title was renamed Pipes, Pumps and 'Broken' Promises.