A prototype low-cost drilling rig was imported to Uganda in August 1999 andhanded over to Mpigi District Government. Field trials of this machine wereundertaken between 20 th August and 13 th November 1999. This work was enabledthrough a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the CranfieldUniversity/DFID Low Cost well Drilling Project, the Directorate of WaterDevelopment (DWD) of the Government of Uganda, and the local Government of MpigiDistrict. A total of fourteen holes were drilled in a range of geologicalformations, and six of these were equipped with U3 handpumps installed by thedirect install method (screen directly attached below pump cylinder, with risingmain doubling as well casing). Of these six, one gave inadequate yield, whilethe other five were put into use as community water supply wells. The trial ofthe prototype Pounder Rig offered much opportunity to learn about itscapability, the practicalities of well construction by the direct installprocedure, and the acceptability of the technology to the Ugandan crew. A fulldesign review followed the field trials, and this is reported under separatecover. A number of practical issues arose during this period, including methodsof crew payment, funding of trials, logistics, and conflicts between therequirements of drilling trials and the expectations of rural communities. Thesewere addressed as they arose, but with the benefit of hindsight they could nodoubt have been resolved in better ways.
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