The Solution

The Solution: Part 1

By: Garrett Gonzales

Water Project Technical Board

Lack of access to clean water is the number one killer of children worldwide. The problem is water, and as simple as it may seem, water is the solution. With the cost of a well ranging from $7,800 to $20,000 many lives can be saved at a relatively low cost. The Thirst Project may seem no different than other well building projects, but this is incorrect. All projects conducted by the Thirst Project are managed and overseen by a group of five individuals known as the Water Project Technical Board. This group of experts in the fields of civil engineering and hydrogeology provide their expertise in reviewing and approving projects both before and after construction. The Water Project Technical Board help ensure that all projects conducted by The Thirst Project are properly planned and organized.

Commitment to Sustainability

The average lifespan of wells in africa, as reported by the World Health Organization, is said to be at about 4 years. This lack of sustainability is why the Thirst Project is committed to superior project management. With an alarming failure rate of 60% on borehole wells drilled by NGO’s in the past 4 years, The Thirst Project strives to put an end to these easily preventable well failures.

Project Management

With a GIS-based Project Management System in place, the Water Project Technical Board has access to a vast database of completed and in-progress wells which provides an in depth system for tracking all wells and projects. This database is continually updated with water quality information from each country that The Thirst Project is active in.

The Solution: Part 2

by: Aaron Anderson

Drilling Partners

The Thirst Project hires local drilling companies to drill and construct its projects in the developing countries the organization works in.  Hiring local contractors and overseeing them with the expertise of their Water Project Technical Board, they provide the best service to the communities.

The Thirst Project and its drilling partners sign a contractual document that includes everything contained in these standards to ensure accountability in construction.  The Thirst Project also has progress report from the driller to the organization to keep them updated throughout the process.  The Thirst Project requires that each driller keep a tab on everything paid for including quotes, estimates, and supplies for accurate accounting.

Water Project Life Cycle

There are eight steps that go into the Thirst Project’s life cycle for a water project. They are identify and qualify a community in need, sample area wells, complete hydrogeology surveys, perform pump tests, perform water quality tests, engage the local community, form water committees, and complete sanitation & hygiene training.

Research & Development of Water Projects

Communication is very important throughout each department.  It’s what makes sure the project is completed the right way.  The communication structure should function as follows:

1)      Identifying the Years’ projects.

2)      Communicate identified projects.

3)      Identify support.

4)      Cultivate relationships.

5)      Solicit support.

6)      Accounting gives weekly donation report to Advancement & Project Development.

7)      Acknowledge gifts.

8)      Project Development notifies advancement when sufficient funds are available and there is intent to release.

9)      Advancement communicates to donors and supporters.

10)   Release of funds to drilling partners for completion.

11)   Notification from Accounting to Advancement.

12)   Notification of public of funds released.

13)   Partners notify The Thirst Project of project completion.

14)   The Thirst Project Advancement and Marketing notifies public.

This will keep great communication between the Project Development Department and Advancement Department.