How Wilmslow Wells' water expert evaluates potential projects As an engineer and environmental specialist, Dr Dave Tonks knows the value of water. And for several years he has led the evaluation process when pleas for help are made to Wilmslow Wells for Africa. He says: "It's remarkable to realise that the cost of putting in a well in many African villages is less than £10 a person - a £1,500 well commonly brings fresh water to as many as 300 people. It's hard to think of another way in which so little can do so much." Dr Tonks, FICE, MCIWEM C. Geol, is a chartered civil engineer, water and environmental specialist and geologist. He is also a Trustee of Wilmslow Wells for Africa and an active member of Wilmslow Methodist Church. Currently director of an environmental consultancy of which he was co-founder, Dr Tonks spent two years with Voluntary Service Overseas after graduating from Manchester University. While working in the Turks and Caicos Islands, West Indies, he gained invaluable experience in the provision of low-cost wells for small villages and day-to-day running of a small water utility. He explains the Wilmslow Wells for Africa evaluation process: "Potential projects are assessed for their technical and social implications. We need to know   who will be responsible on the ground for ensuring a satisfactory delivery of the water supply   that water can be found at practical depths and in sufficient quantities   who will benefit   who will be responsible for ongoing management and maintenance. "Some project teams, such as Christian Engineers in Development (CED) have extensive experience; they can mobilise qualified hydrogeologists to investigate underground water potential and supervisory staff to select the appropriate technologies and manage the installation.	Self-help: Women begin the task of creating a ferro-cement storage tank. click on the photo to enlarge
	Fulfilment: one of more than 60 completed tanks in the Murambi area of Uganda click on the photo to enlarge
"We look to ensure value for money, making best use of the limited funds we can raise, in the same way that we minimise administration costs. For instance, it may cost twice as much to get a well into a remote area, but this may provide the only remedy to severe disease and drought." The Trustees ask for detailed questions to be answered. Only when they are satisfied that any money donated will be properly used for the local people does the project get the go-ahead. Feedback on progress and completion is obtained in the form of reports and photographs. Dr Tonks adds: "One great benefit is the closeness we feel to the projects. We appreciate getting to know the people involved, by letter or increasingly by email. "The responses are frequently very moving, as a new well is a source of much celebration in a locality. It is hard for us in the UK to appreciate just what a difference a local, clean water supply makes." In 1995 he co-founded EDGE Consultants, specialising in geotechnical engineering, geology and the environment. The consultancy now has offices in south Manchester, Burton upon Trent and Reading. Links www.edgeconsultants.co.uk www.ced.org.uk   back to top