National Consultancy – Assessment of water hand pump spare parts shop performance and the implementation of Water Safety Planning

Unicef – Guiné-Bissau – UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up. For every child, hope How can you make a difference? BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE The annual WASH work plan of UNICEF Guinea-Bissau aims to increase access to drinking water. In 2016, the WASH section, together with the government, carried out an exhaustive assessment and reorganization of the available data on access to water and sanitation. With clear gaps identified and precise geo-referenced data, it was decided to move to the smartphone-based mapping of water points functionality. 6 NGOs in different parts of the country were engaged in their area to assess the functional status of all water points, assign a serial number and visually mark them. This process is now being complemented through a survey of the functionality of water points and water quality testing in schools in all eight regions. To date, 6,279 water points have been visited, of which 1,747 are boreholes equipped with hand pumps. Of these 53% are functional, 13% work, but have minor problems, 32% are inoperative and 2% of the water points have been abandoned or no longer exist. The issue of access to safe water is therefore not a matter of lack of infrastructure, but the lack of maintenance. Four key issues were identified as the main causes for the failure of the pumps. 1. Lack of information on non-functional pumps and their location. 2. Unavailability of spare parts in the country, especially at the regional level. 3. Unavailability of pump mechanics due to engagement in other remunerated activities or difficulties to be contacted or to travel to communities. 4. Mechanics unknown to the communities or lack of community confidence in mechanics. … – Permanente – Horário parcial