525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

March 16, 2014

EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

7.0 CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

7.1 Water Source
Draco Ltd. or another qualified drilling contractor will be retained to construct the source borehole.
Due diligence is incomplete, but thus far we have learned that Draco has considerable experience
completing successful boreholes around West Africa including Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda,
Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including boreholes in collapsing soils, which
has been the problem for our source in prior drilling. If the borehole is not successful, Draco has
stated they will continue to drill until they achieve a successful borehole.
EWB-NEU will be on site to supervise the drilling of the borehole, as requested by members of the
Water Board due to past problems, but the construction procedure and standards will be set by Draco.
We have worked with an American hydrogeologist in the past, and will continue to do so to ensure
that the resulting borehole meets American standards.

7.2 Water Storage Tank

7.2.1

Excavation of Tank Site and Foundation Hole

During the February 2014 Implementation trip, EWB-NEU contracted a mechanical excavator to
excavate the tank site and foundation hole for the Phase One water storage tank.
The tank site was excavated to an area of 88.1 m2 (948.8 ft2). The tank site is graded between the
elevations of 1246.8 m (4090.5 ft) and 1247 m (4091.3 ft) over a rectangle measuring 6.5 m (21.3 ft)
by 13.5 m (44.4 ft).
The foundation hole was excavated to an elevation of 1245.6 m (4086.6 ft). Although the outer radius
of the tank will be 2.7 m (9.0 ft), the radius of the foundation hole was 3 m (9.8 ft). This extra space
will facilitate construction of the tank and will be backfilled after construction has been completed.

7.2.2

Construction

The contractor we have hired to construct the tank estimates that construction will take
approximately 45 days, excluding time for excavation. EWB-NEU will not be present during the
entire construction process but has met several times with the builder to review plans. He was also
present during the excavation of the tank site and foundation hole.
We have hired a local builder in Uganda with extensive experience building reinforced brick
masonry water storage tanks, as well as other masonry structures. The builder will bring five skilled
laborers with him, and hire up to ten porters from the village of Bbanda. The Water Board will

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

March 16, 2014

EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

coordinate housing for the builder and his five assistants for the duration of construction. For more
information about this contractor, refer to Section 4.3, Tank of Document 526 Post Implementation
Report submitted November 17, 2013.
The contractor will source and purchase and arrange transportation for most materials with funds
wired by EWB-NEU, with the exception of the bricks he will use. We have located a reputable brick
supplier, Uganda Clays Ltd, in Kajjansi, whose standard brick size is 230 mm x 115 mm x 75 mm.
The tank requires approximately 7100 bricks and Uganda Clays delivers 5500 per truck. The mortar
for the tank will be mixed on site and quality control will be performed by the builder. The dry
materials and water to mix with will need to be trucked in. The bricks, reinforcement, and wire mesh
will be delivered to the town and stored in a secure building. The Water Board will work with the
builder to coordinate this storage.

7.2.2.1

Drainage

During excavation, we will minimize disturbance of vegetation. Vegetation is the first and most
important step in soil stabilization; native plant growth must be preserved. After excavation and
construction, the Water Board will be instructed to restore and supplement vegetation, both up- and
down-slope of the tanks, to increase vegetative presence and soil stabilization. Any type of plant
growth, regardless of species, will be beneficial in terms of erosion control/soil stabilization;
however, plantings should be native species that can flourish naturally with no maintenance. To
facilitate the growth of vegetation, the first excavation activity will be to remove the topsoil from the
tank area, to be stored aside for the time being. This topsoil will be used to cover areas where
vegetation is required.

7.3 Pipe Network

7.3.1

Trench Excavation

Prior to beginning excavation, trench routes will be cleared of vegetation. Villagers will remove light
vegetation with machetes and hoes, while large obstacles such as trees will be avoided. However, the
curvature of the trench must not exceed the minimum bend radius of the HDPE pipe as specified by
the manufacturer; see Appendix L for details. While preparing the route through residential yards and
farms, we will make an effort to minimize the removal of vegetation. Once the path is cleared, stakes
will be place in a line dictated by the terrain. The stakes represent the left edge of the trench, though
as long as a consistent standard is set there will be no discontinuities or unnecessary bends in the
trench.
The excavation will be carried out by residents of Bbanda or laborers hired by the Water Board. They
will dig the trench to the following specifications:

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

March 16, 2014

EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

Width for two pipes: (4

+
) where dlarge and dsmall are the diameters of the
larger and smaller pipes respectively. This allows for adequate space between pipes and
trench wall.
Width for one pipe: 3 where d is the diameter of the pipe.
Depth in front yards: 700 mm (2.3 ft)
Depth in farmland, road crossings or busy areas (i.e. town center): 1000 mm (3.3 ft)
Laborers will keep approximately 2 m (6.6 ft) distance between each other. They will excavate the
trench with mattocks, shovels, hoes and machetes; they are experienced with this type of labor and
will select the optimal tool for the situation. The backfill from excavation will be placed far enough
from the trench so soil does not fall back in. The soil is stable so there is not a risk of the trench wall
collapsing. EWB-NEU members will supervise and monitor the construction when we are on site.
When EWB-NEU is not present on-site, construction will be monitored by the BDS Construction
Supervisor (see Section 9.3, Construction Supervisor)
In order to evaluate the quality of the trench, we will cut sticks to the different lengths specified
above and color-code them so that we can measure the dimensions of the trench quickly and
effectively.
For more information on trench excavation see Section 4.1, Trench Excavation of Document 526
Post Implementation Report submitted November 17, 2013.

7.3.2

Pipe Installation

HDPE pipe will be delivered to Bbanda via truck in rolls of 50 m (164 ft) or 100 m (328 ft) for 110
mm or 25, 50, and 75 mm pipe respectively. The ties securing the rolls will be cut by one person
standing inside the roll. During this process, everyone else will stand clear of the pipe to ensure that
the released pipe does not swing out and harm anyone. The pipe will then be unwound by as many
villagers as necessary. We will check the pipes to make sure no rocks or other small objects are
inside. 10-15 villagers will then transport the pipe to the excavated trench. We will check the pipe
again for objects before fittings are connected.
Before laying pipe, bedding will be placed at the bottom of the trench. We will select fine soil from
the backfill piles and shovel it into the trench. The backfill will be uniformly distributed at the
bottom and continuously added until it is 75 mm (3 inches) deep. Using a tamping rod, most likely
made from eucalyptus tree, we will break up large pieces and flatten the bedding. Pipe can
subsequently be placed.
When connecting compression fittings from Gentex, we will measure the distance from the outside
edge of the coupling to the inner gasket. This measurement will then be marked on the end of the

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

March 16, 2014

EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

pipe, letting workers know how far the pipe should be inserted into the coupling. The fittings will be
opened and closed using either the 40-63mm or the 75-110mm tightening wrench whichever is
appropriate. The wrenches hook around the compression fitting grips. Each wrench should be facing
opposite directions and workers will turn each wrench in opposite directions to open or close the
fitting.
Once one end of pipe has a coupling attached, 6-7 villagers will lift and level each pipe to hip level
and make the attachment. The pipes are then lowered to the ground and tightened as much as
possible with the appropriate size spanner wrenches according to the manufacturers instructions.
For more information on pipe installation methods, see section 4.2 Water Pipes of Document 526
Post Implementation Report submitted November 17, 2013.

7.3.3

Trench Backfilling

We will backfill and tamp the trench with heavy posts in 150 mm (6 in) layers. Particles within 150
mm (6 in.) of the pipe shall have a diameter less than 12.5 mm (0.5 in.). We will compact the trench in
the layers corresponding to Figure 7.3.3-1 of ASTM D2774-12, shown below. The final backfill
material will be mounded up over the trench-line to allow for future settling and compaction.

Figure 7.3.3-1: Layers of Trench Backfill

We will initiate the backfilling process as quickly as feasible to avoid safety hazards associated with
open trenches.

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

March 16, 2014

EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

7.4 Pump & Power

Davis & Shirtliff, a reputable local distributor, will install the SP8A-15 submersible pump, TR1
Generator, and all controls. For more information on Davis & Shirtliff, see Section 6.5.1, Previously
Approved Power Plan To Be Implemented Without Change.

7.5 Generator House

The generator house will need approximately 5,300 bricks. Using a 10 mm (.4 in.) layer of mortar per
joint, masonry requires approximately 0.4 m3 (14 ft3) of sand and 0.12 m3 (4 ft3) of cement per 1000
bricks. The 5,300 bricks for the generator house will amount to approximately 2.6 m3 (90 ft3) of dry
material to be shipped and stored on site, weighing as much as 6.5 metric tons (14,000 lbs). The
Water Board will coordinate storage of materials.
The reinforcement between the two brick wythes will be exposed to open air in the courses
containing ventilated bricks. The reinforcement in this area will be coated with a 10 mm (0.4 in.)
mortar coat to protect from diesel leaks. See Appendix A, Drawing D-04 for ventilated brick course
details.
The corrugated steel roof will be supported by a wood frame. Three beams will be anchored into the
mortar joints of the bricks below. These anchors will be at least 450 mm (18 in.) minimum plus the
height of the wood. Three purlins will be laid across the beams, one at each wall and one at midspan.
The corrugated steel roof will be anchored to these purlins using fasteners supplied by the corrugated
distributor. These fasteners will be placed at the peak of corrugations and will be spaced at a
maximum of 200 mm (8 in). See Appendix A, Drawing D-04 for generator house and roof details.
On the July-August 2013 Implementation trip, we met with the contractor who is building the tank,
about generator house. He agreed with the design and construction procedure, and his quote is
included in Appendix M.

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

March 16, 2014

EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

7.6 Tap Stands

EWB-NEU will work with Muwonge Benson, our Construction Supervisor, and local masons to
manage construction of the tap stands. Tap stand construction will begin by attaching an elbow and
vertical riser pipe to the end of the distribution pipe. A sub foundation consisting of an 80 mm (3.15
in.) layer of crushed stone will surround the riser pipe. On top of the foundation, there will be a base
layer of bricks constructed above-grade, with a minimum slope of 1% for drainage. The walls of the
tap box will be constructed on the base masonry, leaving openings to allow for drainage. After the
walls are completed, the remainder of the plumbing of the tap stand will be constructed. Holes will
be drilled in the tap box wall to allow for the tap spigot penetration. The tee ends will be finished
with ball valves and outlets; the top of the tap box will be finished with a welded window grate. See
Drawing D-07 Appendix A for detailed design drawings.

7.7 Valve Vaults

At valve vaults, 50 mm (2 in) around the perimeter of the box will be excavated. After the pipe and
valve are installed in accordance with manufacturers instructions, the vault will be built.
A local mason will be contracted to construct the valve vaults for the BDS. Specifications are
discussed above (see Section 6.8, Valve Vaults,), and they will be given a copy of the drawings.
There is no foundation; however, the valve vaults will be built directly on the compact and flattened
trench base to provide structural integrity. Any changes suggested by the mason to improve ease of
constructability will need to be approved by a professional engineer in the field. Materials will be
supplied for the mason. The bricks will be purchased from Uganda Clay Ltd and sand, cement and
other required materials will be bought from local sources.

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

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EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

8.0 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

The draft Operations and Maintenance Manual is under preparation and will be presented to the
Water Board in June. The following sections provide some key items to be addressed in the Manual.
The Maintenance Director, as part of his or her duties, will ensure successful system operations,
perform regular inspections of accessible system components, and coordinate or perform necessary
maintenance. The Maintenance Director will have keys which will allow access to all locked
structures, manholes, and restricted areas.

8.1 Water Source

The Maintenance Director will be responsible for reporting and addressing any problems concerning
the borehole. In case the well does not yield an adequate supply of drinkable water, the Maintenance
Director will notify the Water Board, who will contact Draco or another professional contractor. It is
strongly advised that no villagers, or non-professionals, attempt to alter the well in any way.
The maintenance director will also inspect the concrete apron and other exposed components of the
well for damage, reporting all findings to the Water Board immediately

8.2 Tank
The Maintenance Director will be responsible for daily inspections. He or she will ensure that all
structural components are intact and functioning, including the brick walls, concrete roof slab, and all
inlets and outlets. The access hatch must be closed and locked at all times. Using the water level
indicator, the Maintenance Director will determine the water level on a daily basis; he or she will
adjust the pump operation time using the pump timer accordingly.
All inlets and outlets must always be clear of debris.
The Maintenance Director is responsible for completely draining the tank every six months to clean
the tank (washing all inner walls, floor, and roof) and flushing out all outlets. This will help combat
any bacterial or algal growth that may develop in the tank.

8.3 Pipe Network

All repairs to the pipe network will be supervised by the Maintenance Director. Labor for repairs will
be carried out by village volunteers, organized by the Water Board.

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

March 16, 2014

EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

8.3.1

HDPE Pipe Blockages

Blockages in the pipe could result in tap stands with a low flow rate. To locate a blockage, the pipes
leading towards the tap stand with a low flow rate will be isolated by closing the valve at the
beginning of that branch. Once closed, the pipes can be excavated and inspected for a blockage.
An isolated pipe section will be checked by dropping a weighted line in the pipe. If it rolls
completely through, then there is no blockage. If not, markings on the line can be used to locate the
blockage.
Once located, the pipe will be cut at the source of blockage, and the object will be removed. If said
object cannot be removed, then that section of pipe will be cut out and replaced.

8.3.2

Gouges

If, during any pipe repair job, there is a gouge found in a pipe that exceeds 10% of the wall thickness,
then that section of pipe will be extracted and replaced.

8.3.3

Road Crossings

For road crossings installed without a PVC casing, the repair will be identical to regular locations of
pipe but consciously minimizing the impact on the flow of traffic.
For road crossings installed using a PVC casing, the Maintenance Director will initially turn off
water flow to and from the road crossing by closing the nearest valves. Villagers will excavate either
end of the road and locate the fittings. Following excavation around the fitting to allow manipulation
of the pipes, the fittings adjacent to the road, either compression, elbow, or tee, will be opened. The
Maintenance Director will remove the HDPE pipe from the PVC casing by pulling it out from the
side with the most excavated earth space. After the repairs are made as necessary, following the
procedure outlined for each repair, the Maintenance Director will re-insert the HDPE pipe in the
PVC casing, replace compression fittings, and properly backfill the trenches.

8.3.4

Fittings

Fittings in the pipe network are the most likey locations leakage. Upon reports of leakage, the
Maintenance Director will first inspect fitting locations prior to investigating the pipe in general. The
first repair attempt at leaking fittings will be to tighten the fitting.

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

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EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

8.3.5

Corrosion Build-up in G.I. Pipes

Flecks of rust in the tap water can indicate corrosion buildup in the GI pipes. Tap Stand Monitors
will report orange or red metallic flakes or reduced flow to the Water Board.
Initially, the tap will be removed and the line flushed to remove any rust particles to restore flow. If
this is not effective, the Maintenance Director will remove and replace the corroded GI pipe.

8.4 Pump
The manual provided by Grundfos (Appendix N) details the proper methods for operating and
maintaining the SP8A-15.

8.5 Power
The manual provided by Lister Petter (Appendix O) details the proper methods for operating and
maintaining the TR1 diesel generator.

8.6 Generator House

The Maintenance Director or another trained worker will have the following responsibilities:
fill the generator with fuel at the beginning of the day and monitor fuel levels throughout the
day, replenishing as necessary.
ensure that the generator and diesel are always separated by the fire wall when personnel are
not present.
lock both the doors in the generator house and the fence
periodically inspect the structure and surroundings for malicious or innocent damage,
immediately reporting impairments to the Water Board for repairs.
Nobody other than the Maintenance Director or other trained personnel will be allowed in the
generator house to ensure the safety of the residents of Bbanda and protect the system components.

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525 Pre-Implementation Report June 2014

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EWB Northeastern University

Bbanda, Uganda
Bbanda Water Project

8.7 Tap Stands

Tap stands will be inspected daily (by Tap Stand Monitors and the Maintenance Director) to ensure
that excess water is draining as designed, all fittings and the lock are present and functioning, and
that all structural components are intact. Additionally, the interior of the tap box must be free of
debris and the meter clearly visible through the grate in the lid. During this inspection, the inspector
will verify that all taps are flowing at a rate capable of filling a jerry can within 60 seconds (0.3 1/s).
Failure to meet this standard could indicate a loss of pressure in the system stemming from a number
of possible causes, including leaks, blockages, or pump failure, and the Maintenance Director will
report this to the Water Board immediately.
Tap stand operation will be the responsibility of the Tap Stand Monitor, a community member who
lives nearby. Their duties will include collecting fees, monitoring use of the tap stand, locking and
unlocking the tap, and assisting the Maintenance Director in inspection of the tap stand.

8.8 Valve Vaults

If a branch of the system is damaged, the valve at the beginning of the branch will be turned off to
isolate it. The vault must be unlocked by the Maintenance Director or a member of the BDS Security
team, and the handle on the valve must be turned 90 degrees to the off position.

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