Many handpumps show poor performance and can remain unrepaired for weeks or months. This is found to be the case in several of the GLOWS assessments in communities in Ethiopia. The problem is not just that handpumps remain unrepaired for weeks when they stop working, but before that moment comes they are already showing poor performance thus increasing the efforts of users to pump water and also increases their waiting time. Leaking pipes and cracked cylinders are less common, but may occasionally occur. Another cause for reduced pump flow may be a falling water table, which may even lead to a complete stop of the flow if the water level drops below the cylinder. So not only is it important to quickly repair pumpsbut also to detect and remedy sub- standard pump performance.
GLoWS was developed in response to this situation. It is a problem-based learning approach that focuses on helping the trainees assess/frame WASH problems appropriately, and define practical actions to solve them. A key feature is that the training is provided to water professionals right at their workplace. This is important as government water bureaus in Ethiopia are under immense work pressure and cannot afford to let their staff go away for training for long periods of time. Trainers from local vocational training centres provide support and supervision from time-to-time. There is also a lot of focus on peer-to-peer learning and group work.
GLoWS was developed by MetaMeta, with support from Partners for Water, RiPPLE, IRC, SNV, WASTE, RAIN Foundation and UNICEF.
More info: GLOWS@metameta.nl
Produced by: TheWaterChannel
Year: 2013
Language: English
Region: Ethiopia
