Safe, reliable water for 400+ learners in SA

Introduction

We are pleased to provide an update on the borehole rehabilitation project at Maatla Primary School, made possible through the generous support of GlobalGiving.

Maatla Primary School serves 444 learners in Finale Village (The Oaks), Limpopo Province. Prior to this project, the school's borehole had experienced a significant decline in water yield, forcing the school to purchase water for cooking and handwashing while limiting its once-thriving vegetable garden. The rehabilitation of this borehole remains a critical intervention in restoring water security for the school community.

Phase One Completed: Borehole Assessment

The first phase of the project has now been successfully completed.

A specialist borehole contractor carried out a comprehensive technical assessment to determine the cause of the reduced water supply.

Assessment Findings

The assessment produced encouraging results.

Rather than the borehole running dry, the investigation found that:

• The borehole still contains an adequate water supply.
• The existing pump installation is undersized for the borehole conditions.
• The previous installer used thicker rising pipes which require greater pumping pressure.
• The installed pump does not generate sufficient pressure to lift the available water efficiently.
• The borehole requires a 1.1kW pump to restore adequate water production.

This means the project does not require drilling a new borehole at this stage, significantly reducing both cost and environmental impact while making use of the existing water source.

Current Progress

Following the assessment:

Borehole inspection completed

Technical diagnosis completed

Correct replacement pump specified

New 1.1kW pump ordered

Unfortunately, delivery of the replacement pump has been delayed by the supplier, which has postponed the final installation.

To ensure the school is not left completely without water, the existing system has been blown out and temporarily recommissioned. Although it provides only a limited water supply, it allows the school to continue meeting its most essential daily needs while awaiting the new equipment.

Remaining Work

Once the replacement pump has been delivered, the contractor will complete the following activities:

• Remove the existing pump from the 55-metre borehole.
• Test the control box, motor and pump components.
• Install the new 1.1kW pump.
• Commission and test the complete system to ensure reliable water delivery.

Following installation, the school is expected to regain a dependable and sustainable water supply for learners, staff and the school nutrition programme.

Continued Commitment from the School

Despite the current limitations in water availability, the dedication shown by the school community has been truly inspiring.

Teachers, learners and staff have continued maintaining their vegetable gardens using the limited water available. While production has temporarily been scaled down, the school remains committed to growing fresh vegetables to supplement meals served through the school nutrition programme.

The gardens continue to provide valuable practical learning opportunities while reinforcing the importance of food security, environmental stewardship and resilience.

Looking Ahead

The completion of the final installation will enable the school to:

• Restore a reliable water supply for 444 learners and staff.
• Revive vegetable production at full capacity.
• Improve hygiene and sanitation throughout the school.
• Reduce expenditure on purchased water.
• Strengthen the sustainability of the school nutrition programme.

This project represents much more than infrastructure—it is an investment in learner health, nutrition, education and dignity. As outlined in the original motivation, restoring reliable water is the foundation for improved sanitation, school gardening and broader educational development.

Photo Gallery

Photo1: Learners continue watering vegetable crops despite the limited water supply, demonstrating resilience and commitment to the school garden.

Photo 2: Healthy leafy vegetables growing under the shade-net structure maintained with careful water management.

Photo 3: Learners participate in practical agricultural learning as they harvest vegetables from the school garden.

We extend our sincere gratitude to GlobalGiving and Mr Jacques Claassens

 who contributed to making this project possible. Your support is helping Maatla Primary School move closer to restoring reliable access to safe water while strengthening food security, learner wellbeing and sustainable school development.

We look forward to sharing a final completion report once the new pump has been installed and the borehole is fully operational.