Skip to content
 
 
rwsn » Cost-effective boreholes

Cost-effective boreholes

The cost-effective boreholes (CEB) theme of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) aims that policies are adopted and practices followed which bring about cost-effective borehole provision, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

Improved groundwater supplies (particularly drilled and hand dug water wells) provide a significant proportion of rural dwellers with access to safe water within a reasonable distance of their home. It is estimated that about 60,000 boreholes per year need to be drilled in sub-Saharan Africa alone to meet the MDG Target. Groundwater is almost ubiquitous in nature and can be developed relatively cheaply and progressively to meet demand. It often has a lower capital cost than surface water, generally has excellent natural quality and can normally be used without treatment. Groundwater usually has at least some cover to protect it from the threat of pollution from human activities. However, concerns have been raised about varying construction quality and high costs of drilled water wells. Given the massive need for improved water supplies coupled with limited investment, there is an urgent need to fully understand the extent of these concerns, build on strengths and address weaknesses.

Code of Practice

The Code of Practice for Cost Effective Boreholes (Water Well Construction) is a culmination of five years of work by RWSN. It sets out the key principles that should be adhered to in order to provide optimum value for money in invested groundwater development for drinking water supplies over the long term. The Code of Practice provide clear and systematic guidance for analysis, decision-making and implementation of programmes that support the cost-effective provision of drilled water wells.

...more

Publications

A number of informative publications on cost-effective boreholes by RWSN and others. This includes guidelines and field notes as well as studies from Burkina Faso, Ethiopia,Sudan, Madagascar, Nigeria, Niger, Uganda and Zambia. The publications cover technical, socio-economic, environmental and managerial aspects of borehole provision.

...more

Drilling Costs and Quality

One cannot make simplistic comparisons of borehole prices. Every borehole is unique.

...more

Hand or Manual Drilled Wells

Hand drilling is also known as manual drilling, human powered drilling, and is sometimes referred to simply as low cost drilling. As the names suggest, hand drilling technologies primarily utilise human energy.

...more

Focal Countries

The cost-effective Boreholes flagship is focusing it`s work on several countries within sub-Saharan Africa

RWSN Outputs and Outcomes

The CEB flaghip was established in 2003. Activities are coordinated by the flagship coordinator, Kerstin Danert (Skat). The RWSN CEB flagship activities have been primarily supported by WSP, UNICEF, USAID, SDC, Aqua for All and the World Bank.

Glossary

Glossary of Drilling and Groundwater Terms