| Preparation for Construction |
Once you have decided how to sink the well and what materials to use, you need
to organize and prepare for the construction.
1. Workers
It is best if local laborers perform as much of the work as they are capable
of performing without spending too much time in training. This will allow them
to better understand the well, its construction, and later
maintenance needs.
With any laborers it should be very
clearly established before construction begins who is expected to do
what, how long is should take, and what quality the
end product should be. Any later misunderstandings can be more
easily cleared up if an initial understanding was agreed to by all parties.
Consider the following questions concerning the workers:
What skills are required?
Will the workers require training?
If so, how much training?
How many workers are needed?
How long will their services be needed?
Will they volunteer their work or will they be paid?
NOTE: While you can be of assistance, it is important to let the community
set their own goals.
2. Materials
Before the construction begins, it is helpful to have at the well
site as many of the tools, equipment, and supplies as
you think will be necessary to complete the job. This
prior organization will facilitate the day-to-day operation. If large quantities
of supplies will need to be stored at the site
(such as the sand and gravel for concrete) , the
storage site should be decided on beforehand so as not
to interfere with later work. If theft is a serious
problem, workers may have to take turns guarding the construction
site at night.