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The_Specialist gravatar image
RedR

A key factor is always involving the users in the design of facilities, of whatever type. This can be entirely 'hands off', such as in the development of the Zimbabwean Blair Toilet (AKA VIP latrine), where Peter Morgan simply built lots of different designs and then observed how they were used and performed -- for instance doors were abandoned when they fell off and people chopped them up for firewood! Alternatively a more proactive approach may give more of a sense of community ownership than simply decreeing that they should form a committee or close taps.

In the case of water points this should include observations or surveys to determine who collects water, at what time of day, what containers are used and how they are carried. People tend to do things for a good reason. For instance self closing taps are sometimes wired open because the tap is too high to fill a narrow necked plastic jerry can without most of the water missing the hole; a plinth to stand the container on may be a great help in this and also would be very useful if people carry containers on their heads. A second, higher plinth might also be helpful too, I have seen supermarkets in Africa with a special perch provided at the checkouts to enable people to slide heavy baskets across onto their heads. A short length of hose permanently attached to the tap, although less hygienic may also help reduce waste.

Another reason why self-closing taps are tampered with is where water vendors collect from public water points. If this is the case then special provision is probably needed to cater for vendors.

The other thing that should be done is to build prototypes or mock ups of different designs and invite people to use them, but you need to make sure the right people are involved. There is no point in inviting men to test water points if they rarely collect water. Location of water points is another area where community input may also encourage a sense of ownership.