Inspections and Monitoring GG1422619

We have gotten off to a good start in our new monitoring and evaluation program. The COCIRA council is taking this work on as their responsibility. They will be inspecting every cistern constructed during this grant and will be administering a survey as well as noting the GPS coordinates of each cistern. 

We are finding that there is a common set of problems that we can discover soon after construction: leaks in the galvanized plumbing, confusion in connecting the gutter system to the cistern, leaks in the cold joint at the base, leaks where the galvanized nipples penetrate the cistern, no first flush mechanism installed. None of these problems, individually, seem persistent, but when they are all taken together as a group, it is clear that early intervention on our part will improve the success of the project ie ultimately, our work monitoring will lead to minor tweaks to the construction process that will lead  overall to an improved process.

From our inspections thus far, we have been generating a list of “recurring problems” with appropriate solutions to those problems.. This is being developed into a “Use and Maintenance Manual” that we intend to publish and distribute to all project beneficiaries later in the summer or early in the fall. We are seeking simple solutions using materials commonly available in each community when possible. For problems of a more serious nature that would render a system completely dysfunctional, we are meeting with experts to look for the appropriate repair techniques and materials for those relatively rare cases. 

One possibility being discussed is placing about US$100 worth of commonly needed materials and repair parts with the COCIRA council member in each community to have an inventory of immediately available repair parts. The thought is that the council member would collect the cost of the materials as they are dispensed and then use that to replenish the inventory to maintain a perpetual supply.  

We are also considering returning to each community from this project to have a “Water Day” where we can individually consult on any problems and their solutions, where we can talk more about water safety and the benefits of using bio-contamination disinfection methods to improve water quality. We believe the opportunity for additional training and education will enhance the sustainability of these projects.

In addition to the evaluation of the cisterns built during this grant, the COCIRA council has indicated they are willing to go back to visit and inspect all cisterns constructed since 2009 – ie approx 725 cisterns in total. Collecting this data and using it to improve future projects will lead to better utilization of our future grant funds. Knowledge is power.

Submitted by Lee Carter, Rotary San Miguel Midday