Private sector capacity building for handpump sustainability inGhana

As part of the Exit Strategy of the Atiwa WASH Project in Ghana, Centre for Development Partnerships and Innovations (CDPI), now Centre for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (C-WASH) submitted a proposal on private sector capacity building for handpump sustainability to Ernst Peyer Foundation of Switzerland (EPF). The proposal was approved by the Board of EPF and funds transferred for implementation on 5^th October, 2021. The support involved training two distinguished Latrine Artisans (Mr. Godfred Yaw Ofori and Mr. McBest Frempong Ofori), who worked with dedication and total commitment for the Atiwa WASH Project, in handpump maintenance/repairs, handpump installation. Mr. Peter Kudjo Anefor, a highly knowledgeable and experienced consultant was engaged to deliver the training which lasted for two weeks starting from Monday, October 11, 2021 to Saturday, October 23, 2021 (see below some photos on the classroom sessions).

The training curriculum covered the various parts/components of the three major handpump types namely GMIM II/IM II handpump, Afridev handpump, and NIRA AF-85 handpump and their respective functions, the different tools and their uses, how to work with rural communities, and the sourcing of spare parts among others.

The training involved a lot of field practicals and this gave the trainees ample time for hands-on experience in the handpump assessment and trouble-shooting, handpump dismantling and repair of specific breakdowns, and re-installation. In all 16 broken broken-down handpumps were assessed in 6 communities namely: Moseaso, Ankaase, Abekoase, New Jejti, Nanapa, and Frimponso as part of the training. Out of these 9 broken-down handpumps were fully repaired in 4 of communities namely Moseaso, Ankaase, Abekoase, and New Jejeti by the team. In these instances, the communities were mobilised money to buy the parts needed for the repairs but there no professional fees/charges. Honourable Assembly members were very instrumental in mobilising the communities to raise the funds for repairs and maintenance of broken-down handpumps and thus constitute a critical group of stakeholders for water supply sustainability and the desired sanitation and hygiene outcomes.