Afri-pump: simple low-maintenance handpump

Based on their work in Kisii (Kenya), the Netherlands-based Rural Water Systems (RWS), developed the Afri-pump, a simple low-maintenance handpump that can be made with locally available materials. RWS says the Afri-pump can be maintained for a fraction of the price of conventional handpumps like the Afridev or India Mark II/III pumps. Its special features include: the maintenance free Beers Piston instead of rubber seals; ability to pump up to depths of 80-100 m; two rising mains in the well for double security and output; corrosion-free PVC rising mains and stainless rods; a simple M-16 bolt construction connecting rods to the pump handle; the use of standard bearings or large size oiled wood in the handle; and one M-16 spanner fits the whole pump. RWS is promoting the pump in Burkina Faso, Niger and Brazil.

Contact: Paul van Beers, RWS, pvbeers@planet.nl, http://www.handpump.org

Source: Personal communication, 26 Nov 2003
RWS

Keywords

• Water supply - Water lifting devices