RAM PUMP PROGRAM
A complete end-to-end solution crosscutting several
SDGs through a holistic approach
The AIDFI Ram Pump is a perfected model of a forgotten technology: the Hydraulic Ram Pump. A Ram is a device which utilizes the energy contained in falling water (hydro power) to lift a portion of this water to high elevations 24/7 meaning it does not need any fuel or electricity to operate the pump. Every day our ram pumps bring water to over 295,000 people who previously had no access to it.
We install the AIDFI ram pump in an end-to-end solution through a holistic approach: Social preparation of the community (organizing, registration, and training), facilitation of legalities, delivery and hauling, installation with community engagement, training of local technicians, conveyance, and continuous monitoring through the AIDFI monitoring app.
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In 2019, AIDFI started the development of another innovation as part of the ram pump program “ the AIDFI Mechanical Water Kiosk” which replaces communal faucets and the complicated collection system and unfair distribution to a more efficient, fair, and easy collection system. The water kiosk allows users to get 20 liters on a one-peso coin or token through a gumball mechanism which releases the water mechanically through a three-compartment system that work simultaneously together. The water kiosk can be used for the ram pump water system or any other water system in rural or urban setting.
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So far, we have done more than 595 ram pump water system installations in the Philippines and have done complete technology transfer to Afghanistan, Nepal, Colombia, and Mexico.
OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH
Survey
The survey involves stakeholders from the local community, village local government council, AIDFI Technical Services Coordinator, and Community Development Coordinator.
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During the 3-5 days survey period, AIDFI discusses and plans out the water system with the community. As a result of the survey, a technical study and community baseline are established, which is then submitted to the project's funder.
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The technical study has all. the necessary cost outlined for the project.
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AIDFI also does technical surveys for private individuals upon request.
Social Preparation
The social preparation is a process where the community is prepared to manage the water system. It is as equally important as technical intervention.
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During this process, a water association is established among members of the community and is registered with a government agency such as the Department of Labor and Employment. Once the water association has been established, the legalities of the project are facilitated by the Community Development Coordinator; officers are trained in management, and capability skills training is provided to them. At the end of the project, the water association is provided with a portfolio of all the essential documents of the project.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication is done in the workshop of AIDFI. This is done after the initial set-up of the project by the Technical Services Coordinator and Technical Service Personnel.
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During this process, all the necessary prefabricated materials needed for the installation of the water system are prepared before delivery. The process is simultaneously done with the purchasing of materials and preparation for delivery to the project site.
Installation
The installation usually lasts anywhere between 30 days to 120 days depending on the scope of the project.
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During this process, local community members are involved in the installation as local laborers. Training and technology transfer is also conducted while installation is ongoing. There are 2 to 3 community members who are trained in the maintenance of the system.
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"Bayanihan" activities are also done during the installation process by members of the community these can be hauling, pipelaying, or clean-up activities. "Bayanihan" is one of communal unity, helping others without expecting rewards, to achieve a certain goal.
Monitoring & Final Inspection
Monitoring is done while installation is still ongoing. It ensures the project follows the standards and quality set by AIDFI.
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Monitoring is usually done once the structures of the water system at the source have already been completed and are in the curing stage. A team from AIDFI conducts onsite visitation and also discusses with the officers of the water association any concerns or steps moving forward.
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When all the structures have been installed, a final inspection team will visit the project and ensure that the project is ready to be conveyed to the beneficiaries.
Conveyance
At the end of the installation, a conveyance activity is conducted where the project is formally turned over to the water association.
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During the conveyance, different stakeholders are recognized for their roles in the project.
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It starts off with the visitation to the water source, reservoir, and a program organized together with the association officers and members. Local technicians trained are also recognized and official documentation of the whole project are then given to the association and funder. Funders may also opt to distribute tabletop water filters during the conveyance ceremony to further ensure potability of the water.
Post-project Assessment & Monitoring
Post-project assessment is an activity that is carried out after a period of 6 months that the project has been officially conveyed.
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During the post-project assessment, the Community Development Coordinator and Technical Services Coordinator do an onsite visit to the project to record changes that can be seen.
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Post-project monitoring on the other hand is a way for AIDFI to proactively together with the water association measure changes and the impact of the project. Water associations are provided with the monitoring app on a mobile phone that collects data such as water delivered, organizational data, and impacts.
