Citation:
as: Ball, P and Danert, K (1999) Field trials of the prototype Pounder Rig, Uganda, 20th August - 13th November 1999. Report of DFID KAR Project R7126 “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”, Cranfield University.
Abstract:
A prototype low-cost drilling rig was imported to Uganda in August 1999 and
handed over to Mpigi District Government. Field trials of this machine were
undertaken between 20 th August and 13 th November 1999. This work was enabled
through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the Cranfield
University/DFID Low Cost well Drilling Project, the Directorate of Water
Development (DWD) of the Government of Uganda, and the local Government of Mpigi
District. A total of fourteen holes were drilled in a range of geological
formations, and six of these were equipped with U3 handpumps installed by the
direct install method (screen directly attached below pump cylinder, with rising
main doubling as well casing). Of these six, one gave inadequate yield, while
the other five were put into use as community water supply wells. The trial of
the prototype Pounder Rig offered much opportunity to learn about its
capability, the practicalities of well construction by the direct install
procedure, and the acceptability of the technology to the Ugandan crew. A full
design review followed the field trials, and this is reported under separate
cover. A number of practical issues arose during this period, including methods
of crew payment, funding of trials, logistics, and conflicts between the
requirements of drilling trials and the expectations of rural communities. These
were addressed as they arose, but with the benefit of hindsight they could no
doubt have been resolved in better ways.
