Why do handpumps in Mozambique break down?

There are four main factors that together or independently contribute to early breakdown of hand pumps in Mozambique, said the local water authority during a field visit of the Mozambique team:

1. Ground water levels: In highland regions, the pumps fail because of the depth of the water level. Although Afridev water pumps can reach up to 60 feet deep, its vitality is conditioned by it. The greater the depth is the lower the lifetime of rods and other parts. And the higher the costs are of capital maintenance which is randomly done.
2. Availability or not of spare parts: The lack of spare parts or their high prices make the poor and property less people unable to restore the worn parts. Spare parts are usually available, but they cost a fortune. A one-meter rod costs around US$ 13, and the community visited needed four rods per month. Thus, water pumps become inoperable early.
3. Size of the community: In Mozambique, most rural and urban communities are composed of not less than 500 households with at least 5 members in each. Ideally, Afridev pumps are to serve not far beyond this number. Hence, the reality is that Afridev pumps are daily serving beyond their normal capacity thus needing repairs sooner and more frequently .
4. Regular maintenance crucial for long lasting pumps: The only way to alleviate the risk of failure by overloading would be preventive maintenance, consisting in the replacement of worn parts as valves, as well as strict observance of opening and closing times of the water pumps.

Regular or preventive maintenance means better organization of the communities to ensure regular monthly collection of contributions as well as a protocol for when they break down. Even so, some of the preventive maintenance required such as checking pipelines, tanks, valves for leaks/breaks of the water supply is usually beyond the capacity to pay of communities, which have an average income of around US$ 30 per household per month.