Local production of Volanta pumps in Senegal

The Atelier Diocaise de Zichuinchor (ADZ) wanted to start local production of Volanta pumps in Senegal. Part of the existing workshop was set aside for this purpose and a qualified engineer was engaged to take charge. PRACTICA selected a set of (second hand) additional machine tools and these were shipped to ADZ. Three technicians from ADZ traveled to the Volanta factory in Burkina Faso for a one month training on fabrication, installation and repairs.
A trainer from the Volanta factory in Niger was engaged who supervised the installation of the machine tools at ADZ and the fabrication of the first ten pumps. Since then the factory is producing, selling and installing Volanta pumps (on a modest scale) in different parts of Senegal.

Goals

Introduce high quality handpumps and solar pumps on the market in Senegal, with a guaranteed long term spare part supply through local production
Transfer the knowledge of Volanta pump fabrication from Burkina Faso and Niger to Senegal
Create a self supporting production centre
Generate additional income for the diocese through this activity

Activities

Market study to ascertain the potential for Volanta handpumps and Solar pumps in Senegal
Identification of additional machine tool requirement
Provision of a set of machine tools (lathe, drill press, mechanical saw and accessories)
Training of ADZ staff at the Volanta factory in Burkina Faso
Supervision of first production run by a trainer from the Volanta factory in Niger

Budget

€ 20,000 from the Jean Paul II fund pour le Sahel
€ 35,000 from ETC foundation

Results

A local production of Volanta pumps in Senegal is fully operational
The ADZ workshop is financially self supporting
The knowledge on the fabrication of Volanta pumps has been successfully transferred
Extra income is generated for the diocese