The Rope Pump - The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Water andSanitationProgramAn internationalpartnership to helpthe poor gain sustainedaccess to improvedwater supply andsanitation servicesDeveloping Private Sector Supply Chains toDeliver Rural Water TechnologyThe Rope Pump: PrivateSector TechnologyTransfer FromNicaragua to GhanaIn the rural water supply andsanitation sector, goods andservices (technology, training,repair services, financial andtechnical services, and facilitymanagement) are supplied tocustomers through a supply chainfrom manufacturers, importers,and service providers through anetwork of distributors. Paymentflows in the opposite direction.BASIC SUPPLY CHAINPaymentCUSTOMERS(COMMUNITIES, INDIVIDUALS)DISTRIBUTORS(RETAILERS, WHOLESALERS)Goods andServices(Handpumps,spare parts,repairs,credits)PaymentSUPPLIERS(MANUFACTURERS,SERVICE PROVIDERS)Goods andServicesUsers of Ghana with their new pump.The Supply Chains Initiative isa global initiative led by theWater and Sanitation Program.Collaborating partners includegovernment departments, NGOs,and bilateral and multilateralagencies. The aim of this initiativeis to develop practical tools thatenable and encourage the privatesector to provide goods andservices related to rural watersupply and sanitation. Theinitiative’s first phase will focuson increasing the understandingof the dynamics of the privatesector supply chains forhandpumps, spare parts, andsanitation equipment.SummaryThe Nicaraguan rope pump has stimulated widespread interest throughout CentralAmerica due to its low cost, efficiency, durability and low maintenance needs. The pumpis based on a centuries-old design that was refined during the 1980s and 1990s. Suitablefor use at either a community or family level, the pump operates as well as other,more expensive pumps such as the Afridev and India Mark II at groundwater depths ofup to 50 meters. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), seeing thepotential for ‘South-South’ technology transfer of the pump, supported the principal Nicaraguanmanufacturer, Bombas De Mecate S.A. (BOMESA), in setting up a TechnologyTransfer Center between 1996 and 1998. Working with counterparts in the West Africancountry of Ghana, supported by the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP), BOMESA hassuccessfully established the capacity to both produce and install the pump in that country.The experience has shown the great potential for such a transfer to bring a low-cost,reliable pump to countries where handpumps can help meet the challenge of deliveringsustainable rural water supply.5

BackgroundIn rural areas in manycountries, the dispersednature of the population has madehandpumps the technology of choicefor potable water supply. Handpumpsrequire lower upfront costs and lessmaintenance than piped networks.Despite these natural advantages,throughout the 1960s and 1970s itbecame clear that ‘Northern’ handpumptechnologies were not always applicableto a developing country framework.Pump repair and maintenanceoften proved problematic, as did theavailability of imported parts. In theearly 1980s, the WSP HandpumpsProject sought to address these issuesby developing the concept of ‘VillageLevel Operation and Maintenance’(VLOM) – a concept that was based onthe involvement of the user communityin maintenance, and technologysuited to this. The donor communityinvested considerable resources indeveloping ‘appropriate technology’pumps such as the India Mark II andAfridev pumps. However, these pumpsstill pose problems of high cost andsometimes complex supply chains forparts; in addition, there are alwayssome types of repair that the users can-not carry out (see Supply Chains SeriesNo. 2: Afridev Handpumps in Pakistan).The rope pump is a centuries-oldtechnology, with records of designsfrom ancient China and turn-of-thecenturyFrance. It has been used successfullyfor supplying both communitiesand individual families, but untilrecently was typically suitable only forgroundwater depths of less than 10meters. Whereas these older designssuffered in the long-run from their limitedapplicability, the rope pump – nowfound throughout Nicaragua and elsewherein Central America – has overcomethese initial design limitations.This achievement has made the ropepump comparable in functionality tomore expensive pumps.The Rope Pumpin NicaraguaThe majority of Nicaragua’s4.5 million people live onlowlands bordering the Pacific. Surfacewater is typically polluted and there iswidespread use of groundwatersources, whether these be communityor family wells. In the early 1980s, aBelgian technician developed a variationon the classical rope pump designfor use in irrigation. In 1988 the governmentshowed interest in developingthe pump for drinking water purposes.By 1990 a private firm, BombasDe Mecate S.A. (BOMESA), had startedmanufacturing a version of thepump. Production since that time hasincreased dramatically, and BOMESAnow manufactures over 150 pumpsper month. Another private manufacturer,Taller Lopez-Erlach (TLE),has a similar output, and there areCross-section ofrope pumpon a hand-dug wellPvc-pipe withrope and pistonGuide boxBOX 1: THE ROPE PUMPThe principal elements of the rope pump are a pulley wheel, a rope with pistons attached, a pipe that enters the well,and at the base of this pipe, a guidance device for the rope. As the crankshaft is turned the rope drags the pistons upthe pipe, trapping the water above them and ejecting it at the surface. The pump functions well at groundwater depthsof up to 50 meters.Due to the simple and sturdy design of the pump, maintenance needs are very limited and can easily be handled bythe community or local artisan. The rope itself is the most likely part to break down, and can either be easily andcheaply replaced locally or patched up without difficulty. Makeshift repairs do not significantly detract frompump performance.2

at least a dozen other small-scaleparticipants in the market.It is estimated that over 7,500pumps were sold and installed in Nicaraguain 1999, and that over half ofNicaragua’s rural population haveheard of the pump – a result apparentlydue to the extensive marketingthat the pump has received by themanufacturers. The marketing aswell as the receptive attitude of theNicaraguan government have beenimportant factors in the pump’s success.In the early 1990s the Nicaraguangovernment added the locally producedrope pump to the list of pumpsselected for use in the rural water sector,even though at that time the technologywas still under development.This is an example of the government’sattitude which facilitated the emergenceof the market for the rope pumpsdespite the fact that the other pumps,all imported, received support fromexternal agencies in all aspects of thedistribution and maintenance chains.SupplyBoth BOMESA and TLE manufacturea variety of pumps for communal andfamily use. TLE sells self-assembly kitsthat are put together and sold by localworkshops. Installation can be performedon request by either firm, buttends to be prohibitively expensive. Asa result, BOMESA provides an installationmanual and a short trainingcourse to customers. TLE, on the otherhand, maintains a network of installersthroughout the country whom theyrecommend to pump buyers. The buyerpays the installer directly.DemandDemand for the pumps comes fromthree sources: rural families, NGOsTHE HISTORY OFTHE ROPE PUMPIN NICARAGUAEarly 1980s: Belgian techniciandevelops a variation on the classicalrope pump design.1988: The government developspump for drinking water purposesand post-hurricane demandswells rapidly.1990: Bombas De Mecate S.A.(BOMESA) commences manufacturing,selling to low-incomerural families.1995: Private sector demand hasbeen augmented by interest fromENACAL and NGOs. IRC report onNicaraguan Rope Pump.1996-98: Technology TransferDivision created within BOMESA –produces transfer kit.1999: Production surpasses 7,500pumps a year. Ghanaian authoritiesand others investigate transferpossibilities.and donors, and government organizations.During the first couple of yearsof production, private clients made upthe majority of BOMESA’s customers,while subsequently demand fromdonors, NGOs and government hasexpanded rapidly. Private clients, however,remain a significant source of revenuefor both major manufacturers.AffordabilityOne of the keys to the rapid spreadof the rope pump in Nicaragua hasbeen its low cost allied to its reliabilityand low maintenance needs. A studyperformed for the WSP found that theannual maintenance cost of the ropepump never exceeded $10 (and in factwas less than $5 in all but one areasurveyed). By comparison, the annualmaintenance cost for pumps in India –predominantly India Mark IIs – rangedbetween $59 and $107.The upfront cost of the rope pumpis also significantly less than for Afridevor India Mark II pumps. The same studyfound that in Nicaragua India Mark IIpumps sold for $750 (with similarprices for Afridev pumps) while theequivalent rope pump sold for $110.The imported pumps are harder toinstall and maintain and rely on importedparts, whose delivery may be problematic.Therefore, in Nicaragua for wellsat a depth of less than 60 m, the ropepump has been preferred to eitherimported pump.In addition to its efficiency, lowcost and reliability, the rope pump’ssimple technology means that, givena rudimentary in-country manufacturingbase, it can be both produceddomestically and repaired locally,features which contribute greatlyto sustainability.The Rope Pumpin GhanaThe Government of Ghanalaunched the NationalCommunity Water and SanitationProgram in 1991 to accelerate accessof rural communities to sustainablewater and sanitation services. Theagency responsible – the CommunityWater and Sanitation Agency(CWSA) – works with the active participationof communities, NGOs andthe private sector. Communitiesreceive government assistance in3

improving their services, but are Ghana, initially supporting severalultimately responsible for the operationand maintenance of their faciliteedpurchase schemes and by under-local manufacturers through guaranties,drawing upon the private sector taking outreach work with communitiesin order to install a number of trialfor goods and services.CWSA presently supports the installationof four types of pumps, but finds be scaled up. The manufacturing of thepumps. If successful, the project couldits reliance on imports for both the pumps would be entirely privatelypumps and spare parts to be problematic.CWSA would thus like to promote duction, installation and repair basefinanced, allowing a sustainable pro-the local manufacture of lower cost to develop.pumps in Ghana. With the financial Following the CWSA visit to Nicaragua,the WSP agreed to fund a three-support of a World Bank-supportedproject, CWSA staff made a short visit phase transfer process. Under the firstto Nicaragua in May of 1999 to investigatethe potential for transferring the tify several Ghanaian workshops suit-phase in 1999, BOMESA helped iden-rope pump to Ghana. Representatives able for the production of the ropemet with the Technology Transfer Divisionof BOMESA, a division that has als required for manufacturing waspump. The local availability of materi-been set up with the help of both confirmed while some parts (such asENACAL and SDC. They were suitably the ceramic guide box and the pistons)impressed by the efficiency, reliability, were supplied from Nicaragua duringlow cost, and availability of rope pumps the initial phases of the transfer. Thein Nicaragua and saw potential for capacity for producing these partsprivate sector development of the in-country was found to exist and willpump in Ghana.ensure long-term local supply. Productionhas now commenced in GhanaCWSA wanted to nurture a localproduction base for the pumps within and several pumps have been success-The production of the first pump in Sindigo, Savelugu District, Northern Region of Ghana.fully installed. Representatives of theworkshops in Ghana have since visitedNicaragua to undergo further trainingin both technical and marketing issues.The key to this technology transferhas been its ‘South-South’ nature.Many of the characteristics of the ruralareas and the local private sector aresimilar in the two countries, and prospectsfor establishing a financially selfsustainingprivate sector base for theproduction, installation and repair ofrope pumps in Ghana is good. TheWorld Bank, WSP and CWSA havebeen deeply involved during the earlystages of the transfer. It is expected,however, that both demand and supplyfor rope pumps will flourish independentlyafter this initial support.TechnologyTransfer: ThePotentialUnlike many past examplesof technology transfersfrom the ‘North’, the transfer for therope pump from Nicaragua to Ghanaoffers great promise. It is based on theidea that the private sector of differentcountries can come together in mutuallybeneficial cooperation to manufactureand sell the rope pump. The partnershipoffers great potential for theprivate sector in both countries – withcooperation, both sides can benefitfrom the demand for a low-cost, reliablehandpump.With respect to the specifics of thetechnology transfer and capacity forcompanies to launch this type of product,several significant factors are outlinedhere.4

THE TRANSFERPROCESSThe transfer process from Nicaraguato Ghana consisted of threephases.Phase I (November 15 to November26, 1999):Technical assistance provided viacorrespondence and a two-weekvisit by BOMESA to the Ghanaianauthorities to help with selectionof suitable manufacturers, confirmthe availability of materials, supplytechnology transfer manuals,and help commence production.Phase II (February 7 to February10, 2000):BOMESA hosted two Ghanaiantechnicians in Nicaragua for furthertraining, dealing with the automatizationof production, marketingtechniques and financialmanagement.Phase III (June 19 to June 30,2000):Installation of the trial-run of 100pumps in Ghana, further technicalassistance from BOMESA coveringquality control, branding andsteps to develop a durable relationshipbetween the Nicaraguanand Ghanaian manufacturers.This phase is to be followed by anevaluation of the pump’s localacceptance and performance inearly 2001.Institutional climateThe favorable institutional climatewas a key element in the successfulemergence of the pump in Nicaraguaand is important in determining thepotential for a successful transfer elsewhere.Resistance from the governmentor other agencies makes it verydifficult for sustainable private sectorprovision to take root.SupplyA local supply chain needs to be createdwith demonstrable links to thecommunity. It should also be shortenough so that rope pump manufacturingwill form an important part ofrevenue and encourage long-termcommitment by the supplier. Given thelow technology nature of the pump, theappropriate pump manufacture materialsshould be easily available in thecountry. Installation and repair requirementsalso need consideration, with theNicaraguan example providing a usefulmodel.Due to the simplicity of the pump, aspecific supply chain for spare parts isnot required. A majority of the partscan usually be found at the local groceror hardware shop.Quality controlQuality control of the raw materials,manufacturing, and the installationof the pump are key elements of success.A standard of quality should beagreed to and applied by the principalproducers in a country/region. Theexperience in Nicaragua has shownthat inferior reproductions of the pumpby ‘artisans’ that are cheaper andbelow standard can damage the reputationof the pump (see Supply ChainsSeries No.1: The Treadle Pump: AnNGO Introduces a Low-cost IrrigationPump to Bangladesh).DemandA WSP study Rural Water Supply inNicaragua: The Rope Pump indicatesthat demand should be high whereverthere are a large number of lowincomerural households with no accessto piped distribution water. A traditionof using family wells for drinking wateris helpful, as this will facilitate ropepump adoption and lower the capitalcost where existing wells can be used.Evidence also indicates that in thebeginning the role of state extensionagencies, NGOs, and donors will beextremely important in mobilizingdemand for the pump. BOMESA stressesthat a successful trial installation, withproduct quality assured and followed bymarketing and information campaigns,is of great importance. Demand mustprove sustainable once initial supportis withdrawn.FinancingFinancing and willingness to pay forproducers is critical to the success ofthe transfer. If manufacturers requireseed capital, governments or donorscould provide this. This should takeplace preferably in the initial phasesonly. In Ghana a guaranteed initialpurchase provided the incentive todevelop initial production capacity.The need for independent costrecovery by the private operators cannotbe overstated. If this is onlyachieved through distortions in themarket, due to government or donorintervention, then production willremain dependent upon such distortions.Support to marketingMarketing and promotion areextremely important in establishing thedemand for the pump. To promotesustainability, the manufacturer shouldincorporate costs of marketing into theprice of the pump. Careful brandingis also important. However, a large5

promotion campaign is a heavy costfor the manufacturer and the industryto assume alone. A recent study bySDC, Poverty Alleviation as a Business,recommends the launching of a significantpromotion and marketing campaignfor the pump. The study suggeststhat this could be done as a publicinvestment and that such a campaigncould be a good investment for donorwater and sanitation programs.ConclusionThe Nicaraguan rope pumphas significant potential.Its low cost, efficiency and reliabilityWILLINGNESS TO PAYWillingness to pay by users is alsoimportant, and this has been foundto exist where financing for themis available. The national publicutility (ENACAL) in Nicaragua hasimplemented a pilot project withCARE and SDC in which microcreditis made available for thepurchase of family rope pumps.This pilot, carried out in a poorerarea of the country, has shown thatthe population exhibits both a willingnessand a capacity to repay theloan for the pump in one year.Demand for the pump for bothdomestic and small-scale gardeningpurposes exists, provided thatsuitable credit is available. It is alsonotable that the pump is notregarded as an inferior good – a“product for the poor”. Manymiddle-class families also use it,and ownership comes with nosocial stigma.have given it high social acceptancein Nicaragua and elsewhere, whileits low-technology nature permitslocal manufacturing. Experience hasshown that it exhibits significantpotential for ‘direct’ technologytransfer from company-to-companyand should be of great interest topolicy-makers and the private sectoralike. Several key issues remainregarding the dissemination andtransfer of this technology:• the role of external agencies, thegovernment, and the private sector insupporting the process• the types of arrangement betweenprivate companies from Nicaragua andother companies in the world to facilitatedissemination and assure a sustainablehigh quality production• the extent of demand and potentialfor similar transfers in other countries.These and others issues will be discussedin two upcoming events:1) May 2001: Workshop in Nicaragua,organized by the HandpumpTechnologies Network (HTN), SDC,and BOMESA in partnership with theInternational Resource Center (IRC)and the WSP. The workshop is designedto inform national rural watersupply policy-makers and internationaldecision-makers of therope pump technology. Structuredactions to support the rope pumptechnology transfer process will bealso defined. The workshop shouldincrease the visibility of the ropepump across the international ruralwater supply sector.2) End of 2001: Workshop inGhana, led by CWSA, private sectorinvestors and others with the supportof the WSP. Opportunities forstimulating market demand throughoutWest Africa will be discussed.Water and Sanitation Program1818 H Street NWWashington DC 20433 USAPhone: +1 (202) 4739785Fax: +1 (202) 5223313, 5223228E-mail: info@wsp.orgWeb site: http://www.wsp.orgCommunity Water andSanitation Agency (CWSA)Fidelity HSE. RING ROAD CENTRALPMB, KIA, ACCRA, GHANATel: 233 21 779102Fax: 233 21 24 58 46E-mail: cwsd@ghana.comBombas de Mecate S.A.Technology Transfer DivisionP.O. Box 3352 Managua, NicaraguaFax: 00-505-278 4045E-mail: ropepump@ibw.com.niWater and Sanitation ProgramFrançois MüngerE-mail: fmunger@worldbank.orgOther publications in this series:1. The Treadle Pump: An NGO Introducesa Low-cost Irrigation Pump toBangladesh2. Afridev Handpumps in Pakistan3. Arsenic Mitigation in West Bengaland Bangladesh4. The Growth of Private SectorParticipation in Rural Water Supplyand Sanitation in BangladeshFebruary 2001The Water and Sanitation Program isan international partnership to help thepoor gain sustained access to improvedwater supply and sanitation services.The Program’s funding partners are theGovernments of Australia, Belgium,Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy,Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and theUnited Kingdom; the United NationsDevelopment Programme, andThe World Bank.6Created by Write MediaE-mail: writemedia@vsnl.comPrinted at PS Press Services Pvt Ltd