Dabane Trust

Sand-abstraction

In arid and semi arid areas of the world seasonal rivers flow for a few weeks, or just for a few days a year.

the seasonal Manzamyama river

a traditional isiliba
a deep hole to reach water in the riverbed

Many of these rivers become heavily silted, but where there is a sufficient depth of sediment, large volumes of water may be retained through the dry season.

As water is stored in the sand, it is naturally cleaned and filtered.

For generations people have been digging deep into the sediment to draw water.

Wells are protected from damage and fouling by animals by erecting brushwood fences.

As the water level lowers, the wells have to be deepened.

traditional wells with brushwood fences to keep livestock out

driving a well-point into the Shashane at Tshelanyemba

When the river flows again, the brushwood and fine silt carried by the river are washed into the sand well, clogging the water source and preventing abstraction in future years.

Dabane Trust has developed a range of low-cost well-points and hand pumps to draw water from seasonal rivers. Simple installations may be used year round in safety, and will not be damaged by flood when the river next flows.

We've also extensively improved pump technologies, adapting them to serve local needs and maintenance capacity.

a Rower type hand pump on the river bank at Khulumysenza Garden

Each of Dabane's water supply systems are designed to be operated and maintained within the available resources of the surrounding community.