Smart-technology Training Program

Of the millions in Tanzania without safe drinking water, some 70% live in rural areas. Increasing water supply to such areas requires decentralized solutions such as wells, hand pumps and other low-cost options. Such solutions are easier to sustain because of their reduced cost. Low cost technologies such as rota sludge drilling and locally-produced rope pumps (over imported piston pumps) have reduced cost of water points in Southern Tanzania from $3000 to $600.

Goals overview

With a record of 250 drilled boreholes and 400 installed pumps, SHIPO is becoming the Tanzanian expert in Rope Pump and Manual Drilling technologies. SHIPO aims to train other organisations in adapting these techniques to more local situations with the further development of its program "The Road to Water for All." It consists of a general introduction, visit to the organisation's area, on-site pilot, production, and development of a scale-up plan.

Current status

Project plan

SHIPO is in the process of building a "Smart Tech" centre which will demonstrate a range of smart technologies, and where organisations can come for hands-on training and classes. A workshop and several guesthouses for students are under construction. Trainees will be able to practice manual drilling and learn proper rope pump installation.

In 2008, SHIPO trained technicians from Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania; its goal is train even more technicians in 2009.

Organisations are enthusiastic about manual drilling and rope pump technologies because they allow them to affect change in their own community. Imported pumps and/or mechanical drilling techniques are expensive and difficult to maintain. In "Smart Tecs", local materials are used to construct the pumps, making it simple and cheap for community members to maintain their own pumps.

"The Road to Water for All" program is being developed by SHIPO to guarantee successful, quality results for the organisations it trains.