Handpump sustainability challenges: analysis of problems and alternatives and what PRACTICA can contribute

Community handpumps, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, show often a very low level of post-construction sustainability. At PRACTICA Foundation some problem analysis has been conducted, including both literature review and field input. According to these information sources, the main sustainability challenges regarding handpumps lie at the spare parts supply chain and at the functioning of the water point committees. After the problem analysis, an overview of experiences with alternative management models is made, including public-private partnerships, maintenance contracts, Handpump Mechanics Associations, private ownership, centralized companies and the water kiosk model. The contribution of PRACTICA regarding handpump sustainability is both related to the spare parts supply chain (combined with local procurement of handpumps) and to alternatives that do not rely on community water committees (including private sector involvement and developing an option with mobile payments).