Microcomputers in a rural water supply project

On a large scale microcomputers are used in the Rural Domestic Water Supply and Sanitation Programme in Nyanza Province, Kenya. The microcomputer gradually gained access to most project activities not only in the technical departments, but as well in the non technical sections such as, personnel and payroll administration, budget control and accountancy, secre­tarial work and reporting. Despite of several unfavorable conditi­ons, as an irregular power supply, the initial unavailabiiity of trained opera­tors and programmers, and the frequent absence of a nearby maintenance, service and spare part supply, the presence of a microcomputer is considered as a tremen­dous advantage in the project. However, before "computerizing" a project, one should seriously consider the conse­quences of it. Once microcomputers are introduced, there is hardly a way back. This puts a great responsibility on both the choice of equipment and the manpower operating it.