Evaluation of handpump water supply in selected rural and semi-urban areas of Zambia

Handpumps are widely used for water supply in rural and semi-urban areas of Zambia. This could be an attractive technology to provide safe water supply to additional number of unserved people. However, as the handpumps used in Zambia are imported from outside and financed mainly by donors, the sustainability of this water supply system is questionable. This study reviewed different factors affecting sustainability of handpump water supply in Zambia through a field study conducted in selected rural and semi-urban areas of Zambia. The study revealed that despite the low level of support from government and donors during the O&M phase, most of the handpumps are in relatively good condition. Access to spare parts and financing of O&M costs are the main problems in many rural areas of Zambia. Local manufacture of handpumps, continued support from the government agencies and donors in O&M phase and water quality testing is recommended for long-term sustainability of handpump water supply systems in Zambia.