Assessment of the functionality of rope pumps for sustainable water supply in rural areas of Malawi

The sustainable provision of adequate and safe drinking water is the most important of all public services. A high share of the population in Malawi lives in rural areas where access to safe water and access to sanitation is very low. However, non-functionality of water facilities in rural areas continues to affect the availability of potable water further compromising the access. This paper reports on the functionality assessment on one type of hand pumps, the Rope pump, in rural areas which were installed since 2012. Of the 127 Rope pumps that were visited in six districts, 73% of the Rope pumps were functioning and 27% were non-functional as a results of rope breakage, breaking of the handle, dry wells and water quality issues (turbidity and odour). To increase functionality there should be trainings on O&M of the Rope pumps to the users, Self-supply approach should be encouraged to ensure private ownership of the Rope pump and proper sitting of the Rope pump should be emphasised.