Pump upgrade examples
Malawi, south of Blantyre.
In August of 2023 a number of pumps were selected for upgrade testing. Each pump was fitted with upgraded parts from other organizations that Doxa Research works with, and some Doxa Research parts as well. Upgraded parts included handle bearings, rod hanger bearings, centralizers, plunger seals and a device to monitor pump activity. It is part of a much larger program of upgrading the Afridev, and part of an even larger program that includes the India Mark 2 as well. Using the HCD process, pump problems have been clearly identified and solutions created. Some solutions have been thoroughly tested by a few organizations for three years or so, and some solutions are new to the upgrade kit. The goal is moving from the historically short time between repairs for the Afridev to a more ambitious goal: not months between repairs, but years.
Uganda, east of Kampala.
In many areas of Uganda, AC or solar driven pumps supply large volumes of water to local communities. Where Doxa Research can help is to improve the reporting of water distribution to the stakeholders involved. This upgrade to pumps involves fitting a satellite-based monitor to the flow meter associated with the pump system. The flow information is sent to the Cloud and routed back via simple apps to stakeholders in Uganda. Arnold is fitting a remote monitor on the roof of a pump shed. In this picture, Arnold mounts the satellite-based monitor to the pump shed roof.
