To ensure all of our Wells continue working these are the steps we take. We hope this information can be helpful to anyone drilling water wells.

1. Collection of Secondary Data

This process involves gathering relevant data from the Uganda National Water Atlas, District statistics, and reports on water and sanitation. These sources provide detailed information on the area's population, cultural practices, water access, and the number of available water sources.

2. Project Consultation with Local Leaders

The project consultation involves presenting the proposed approach, targets, goals, and budget to the local leaders. This consultation also includes signing a memorandum of understanding with the District, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party involved. The District Water Officer and the District Community Development Officer then introduce the JF Well Works Africa team and outline the intervention planned for all the sub-counties within the District. The consultation is attended by sub-county and parish leaders.

3. Conduct Baseline Survey

This step involves collecting primary data at the household and institution levels. Enumerators are recruited and trained to administer questionnaires that gather information about water sources, common diseases, and sanitation. Data is also collected from health centers within the project areas, particularly regarding disease prevalence related to poor water and sanitation. The Village Health Team and Local Council are engaged to provide information on local resources, including the number and types of water sources, their functionality, and the status of household sanitation (e.g., complete or incomplete latrines). The data is then analyzed to assess the status of the intervention area in terms of safe water access, functionality, and disease burden.

4. Presentation of Baseline Survey Report

The findings from the baseline survey are presented to district and sub-county leaders for discussion and conclusions. This presentation ensures that all stakeholders are informed and can contribute to the decision-making process.

5. Community Dialogue

JF Well Works Africa organizes a community dialogue meeting with the identified beneficiary communities. Local leaders, community members, and JF Well Works Africa training staff participate in this project orientation meeting. The proposed intervention is introduced, and roles are defined for each party in the project's implementation. An agreement on the modalities of operation is reached. During this meeting, a Water Source and Sanitation Committee, consisting of nine community members and three ex officio members (mainly local leaders), is formed, with 50% representation by women.

6. Hydrogeological Siting

Once both parties agree at the community dialogue, the siting team visits the community to conduct hydrogeological assessments to identify a feasible site with a recommended aquifer. Upon identifying a suitable site, the landowner signs a land donation agreement, confirming that the water source location is offered free of charge to the community. The siting team then presents a detailed report to the drilling team, specifying the water table findings, expected water strike, drilling depth, and the underground soil and rock formation details.

7. Community Sensitization on Health, Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation

The training department conducts sensitization sessions for water users on good health, water hygiene, and sanitation practices. The training covers water collection, storage, and transportation (known as the Safe Water Chain), disease prevention, personal hygiene, good sanitation practices, and environmental protection, including safeguarding water resources and wetlands. The training is practical, with demonstrations on how to pump water, prevent contamination, and properly wash hands with soap.

8. Training and Equipping of Water Source and Sanitation Committees

The Water Source and Sanitation Committees, consisting of 12 members per water source, are trained in leadership, operation, maintenance, documentation, record-keeping, accountability, and conflict resolution. They are provided with record books to manage user fee collection, meeting minutes, and household sanitation status, updated monthly. The community is also guided on opening a bank account to secure the collected user fees. In sub-counties where a Water Board exists, the committee registers with the subcounty Water Board. The training is conducted by JF Well Works Africa staff and sub-county extension workers from the beneficiary communities.

9. Drilling

The drilling team mobilizes materials and equipment, reporting to the community to start drilling according to the siting team's recommendations. The drilling process typically takes 10-12 hours, followed by an additional two hours to develop the well with installed gravel and sanitary sealing.

10. Test Pumping

The water is subjected to a constant flow test to determine the yield and ensure clarity. This step ensures that the water source is reliable and can provide the required quantity of water.

11. Water Quality Testing

The drilled well is tested for biological and physicochemical characteristics according to WHO and national standards. Water samples are collected and transported to a laboratory, while some tests are conducted at the water source. The water quality test is conducted at the Uganda Ministry of Water and Environment laboratory located in the region. A certificate is issued for all wells that meet the national standards for potable water.

12. Apron Casting

After the well is drilled, tested, and found to have a good yield and clarity, it is cast and left to cure for seven days before installation. This curing process is essential to ensure the durability and safety of the well.

13. Installation

After the curing period, the well is installed with hand pump parts. This final installation step prepares the well for community use.

14. Training Local Hand Pump Mechanics

Local technicians are identified within the communities, one per parish. These technicians are selected by the District Water Office through sub-county management. JF Well Works Africa then provides them with a one-week training that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of well repair and servicing, including where to source spare parts. A tool kit is provided to each sub-county to support these technicians in their work.

15. Official Handover/Commissioning

The completed well is officially handed over to the District authorities, who then transfer it to the community for use. This ceremony brings together the community and District leaders to emphasize coordination with local government structures and ensure the sustainability of the well.

16. Follow-up

JF Well Works Africa monitors the well and provides support for six months before transferring full responsibility for operation and maintenance to the community. This follow-up period is crucial for ensuring the community is fully capable of managing the well independently.