Play pumps provide clean water
Zibonele Ntuli
2 April 2004
The government will this month start a six-year programme to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to the 2 800 KwaZulu-Natal rural schools by installing 40 playground roundabout playpumps, said Water Affairs and Forestry Minister Ronnie Kasrils.
Kasrils, who made the announcement on Thursday, said the programme was a result of the public-private partnership between his department, the Department of Education and a KwaZulu-Natal water utility - Umgeni Water - and private company Roundabout Playpump.
As the children spin, water is pumped from underground into a 2 500-litre tank that is standing seven metres above the ground. A simple tap provides easy access for the mothers and children drawing water.
The play pump design converts rotational movement to reciprocating linear movement by a driving mechanism consisting of only two working parts. This makes the pump highly effective, easy to operate and very economical.
The Play
Pump is capable of producing 1 400 litres of water per hour at 16rpm from a depth of 40 metres, and is effective up to a depth of 100 metres, making it more effective that a typical hand pump installation.
The minister said of the 28 000 schools throughout the country, 6 000 were in KwaZulu-Natal and 92 percent of these did not have adequate water and sanitation facilities.
"This is a grave concern as researchers have found that there is a direct relationship between the presence or absence of sanitation facilities, and schools enrolment numbers," he said.
In December 2003, Umgeni Water produced a fund raising proposal, which outlined the need for an integrated schools water and sanitation programme.
Subsequently, the Water Affairs and Forestry Department, and Roundabout Outdoor, raised funds from donors for the initial 20 play pumps, with the provincial education department pledging R20-million.
Kasrils said 15 local workers per school would be
trained and employed during the installation of the play pumps at schools and community centres.
"Women and unemployed youth will be involved in the construction phase, so that there is not only a direct financial benefit to the local community, but that the skills for maintaining the structures are built in," he said.
Source: BuaNews
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