Solar Rural Electrification to combat Rural Exodus (Danida)
Installation of solar pumping systems
The solar pump installations were preceded by test pumpings on the boreholes in the three villlages. This was necessary to ensure that the solar pumps would not pump the boreholes dry, and allow correct sizing of the system. The pumps were installed at depths of 25-27 metres, typical for this part of Mali.
The three villages decided to generate maitenance funds from annual payments made by each family, rather than direct payment for water used. This was felt by the villages to be easier to manage, and easier for families to pay. Annual payments are made after the sale of cotton, at a time when the great majority of families are able to mobilise the necessary resources.
The photos are a mixture, from Tabakoro, Niamala and Zambala, but together give a good impression of the installation process. Maintenance teams from each village assisted in installation and were trained in management, including maitenance of the equipment and compiling a log book of water pumped and water used each day. This is an important management tool which can help in diagnosing problems as well as assisting the vilagers to manage and rationalise their water use. The pumped water has a value, as the people pay for its use, so they do not waste it.
Excess water can be used for gardening activities, which is an important income generating activity in these areas.
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The villages previously relied on hand pumps (left) for water as well as open domeswtic wells with poor quality water; the hand pumps were removed to be replaced with solar pumps (centre); withdrawing the handpump tubes (right).
Inserting panels into frames (left), making electrical connections (centre), welding the panels inside the frames to protect against theft (right)
Setting panels in foundations (left), the pump ready for insertion in the well (centre), the water meter and main valve from where water travels to the tower (right).
Insertion of the solar pump into the borehole (left and centre); preparing to close the well head and tying off the pump safety rope (right).
The pump inverter and connection box (left), connections inside the inverter (centre); the pump attached to the riser pipe before insertion in the borehole (right).
As soon as the systems were installed, members of the village were quick to make use of the newly available resource, brought closer to their doorsteps by a distribution system in each village (left and centre); the 12 cubic metre water tank which acts as a reserve for storage (right).
The water tower in Niamala, with solar panels in front.
