Evaluation of People’s Participation
During the monitoring and evaluation survey carried out jointly with my wife in about 25
villages, in December 1995, it was verified that people, during the past six years, had
taken great interest in repairing “their wells”. For this purpose they used the money
collected previously or through a new contribution. All wells were functioning properly.
Repairs were carried out by local technical people or by the company that had installed the
pumps. Several villages were keeping a written account of costs for maintenance works.
People were proud to show us that they were self-sufficient and that their children were no
longer afflicted by dysentery and other intestinal problems since they had clean water. In
Thana District, instead, the maintenance of wells equipped with Mark II pump is more
difficult as villages are often located in remote areas, local mechanics are not available and
spare parts may be purchased only in major cities. Due to these difficulties, Adivasi
villages in Thana District where Mark II pumps were installed, need to be assisted by
periodical visits. Villages where water wells are equipped by bucket pump generally do
not need outside help; anyhow, it is recommended to visit such villages at least once a year
to carry out preventive maintenance, if necessary.
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