Perform a theoretical study and a design study on how to achieve water point sustainability in Malawi.

To share the same understanding on what is meant with this objective, it is important to identify what we actually mean by 'Water Point Sustainability'.

In this project we will focus on one type of water point which is the shallow well pump system. A shallow well is usually hand dug and no more than 15 meters deep. 62% of Malawi's population lives in areas with a high water table (Wella, 2005). In these areas the installation of shallow wells are regarded as a more simple and cheaper solution in comparison to boreholes for example.

Regarding "sustainability", we believe that a misunderstanding on the meaning of the word is the reason for why so many rural water projects essentially fail to last. What we mean by sustainability is "independence from aid". Not only should a sustainable project leave the community with the capability of maintaining the project after commissioning, it should also leave them with the capability and the aspiration to take responsibility in doing similar projects without aid.

Therefore, it makes sense to subdivide the above main objective into two specific objectives:

* Please click the links for more information.


• • The first specific objective derives from a technical design approach and consists essentially in creating a shallow well pump system that is so simple that it can be built and maintained by the user, without aid.



• • The second specific objective addresses the main policy aspect of identifying implementation strategies that promote sustainable thinking and behaviour in the community.