Water, Health & Women's Empowerment- Guinea Bissau

In Labarande community, local ownership of the water supply system is being strengthened through practical training and the development of basic technical skills. Two community technicians received hands-on training to enable them to take greater responsibility for the day-to-day management and maintenance of the water system.

The training focused on helping the technicians understand how to read and monitor the pump equipment under both normal and abnormal operating conditions. They were also introduced to common faults and how to identify early warning signs that could indicate a problem with the system.

Particular attention was given to the control panel, including what happens when the panel develops a fault and how the circuit breakers (breakers) operate. This knowledge will help the technicians respond more confidently to minor electrical and operational problems and recognise when specialist assistance is required.

The training also included practical exercises in replacing damaged or worn taps, changing pipe fittings and accessories, and correctly applying Teflon tape to threaded connections to prevent leaks.

By equipping local technicians with these practical skills, the community is becoming less dependent on external support for routine repairs and maintenance. This approach strengthens community ownership, improves the reliability of the water supply and helps ensure that the investment in safe water continues to benefit Labarande residents over the long term.