Handpump at Chapel Farm - geograph.org.uk - 3064589.jpg

Village-level operation and maintenance (VLOM) is a term used for water pumps, but which is relevant more generally to appropriate technology. It is sometimes referred to as VLOMM, or village-level operation and management of maintenance.

VLOM pumps are hand pumps that requires minimal maintenance - though the principles could be applied to treadle pumps and any village-level technology.

Inappropriate technology - lessons learned[edit | edit source]

During the UN decade on water, 1981-1990W, boreholes, water wells (hand-dug wells and tubewells) were constructed and water pumps provided to villages in developing countries around the world, paid for largely with official development assistance.[verification needed] This top down approach resulted, in a proportion of cases, in the installation of pumps that were unsuited to their context - in particular, they were difficult to maintain.

VLOM pumps were introduced after the water decade. Remote villages can thus maintain pumps themselves. This has become part of a larger strategy to reduce the dependency of villages on government and donor agencies.[verification needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Discussion[View | Edit]

How big were the Water Decade stuff-ups?[edit source]

The article seemed to suggest that the Water Decade was a disaster, and I'm not sure that's true at all. So I added a few words - here in bold:

"This top down approach resulted, in a proportion of cases, in the installation of pumps that were unsuited to their context"

Now it's just really vague instead of potentially grossly inaccurate. :-) Perhaps someone could add some actual information...? --Chriswaterguy 21:05, 28 November 2011 (PST)

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