Initial situation

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This hospital has a central well on the grounds and two additional wells of the same mechanical system located approximately 500 meters away outside the grounds. Since the end of 2013, the central well has been pumping increasingly dirty water. An attempt to clean the pump revealed that its pumping depth of 15 meters was insufficient and the pipes were beginning to rust. The decision was made to drill a new well to a depth of approximately 50 meters in order to reach the third groundwater layer.

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Project

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Between April and June 2014, three attempts were made to drill to the required depth. Due to the challenging rock strata and the limitations of the drilling equipment, the desired depth could not be achieved. Therefore, two ordinary mechanical hand pumps were installed as a temporary measure pending a better solution. In March and April 2015, with the support of a government organization dedicated to improving water supplies, a well was drilled to a depth of up to 75 meters using heavy construction equipment. The precise location of the well was determined with the assistance of geologists. We hoped to secure a reliable, clean water supply with this partner; however, even in the deep groundwater layers, no large, clean water reservoir could be found. Thus, the only remaining option was to choose and utilize the best-quality well.

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In November 2015, a metal frame for a water reservoir (PVC, 6000 liters) was constructed and embedded in the ground. This stores the water at a height of 6 meters and ensures sufficient pressure in the pipes. Water pipes were laid from the reservoir to the operating room, the laboratory, and the delivery room. Public water taps are also available. Until September 2016, the water was pumped using an electric pump.

In September 2016, solar panels were installed on a freestanding frame and surrounded by a fence. The electrically operated pump was replaced with a solar-powered pump. Commissioning revealed a more than sufficient flow rate.

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The drilling team Joseph Ngargam in Bongor was responsible for the drilling and the installation of the water tower.

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Hansruedi Zurbrügg, an experienced technician from Koyom, helped with the installation.