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Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Implementing WSTF-Funded Yard
Tap Projects
A Document for Water Service Providers and Field Monitors
Table of Contents
1.
Improving Public Health: Need for Enforcing Technical Standards ................................... 3
Technical Requirements & Standards .................................................................................... 3
Design of WSTF-Funded Yard Taps Projects .......................................................................... 3
2.
The Project: Network Extensions & Provision of Subsidized Yard Taps ............................ 4
Main Components of a Yard Tap/Network Extension Project .............................................. 4
Promotion of Yard Taps ......................................................................................................... 4
Criteria to Select Demonstration Yard Tap Beneficiaries ...................................................... 4
Conditions Demonstration Yard Tap Users have to Comply with (Operation Phase) ........... 5
3.
From Demonstration Yard Taps to the Up-scaling of Yard Taps ....................................... 5
The Role of Subsidies and Contributions of Beneficiaries (Deposits) .................................... 5
Provision of Subsidies: The Principles .................................................................................... 5
Additional Conditions and Requirements .............................................................................. 6
Number of Yard Taps per Plot................................................................................................ 6
Yard Taps: Overall Costs & Investment Costs per Beneficiary............................................... 7
Who Constructs the Yard Tap? .............................................................................................. 7
4.
Yard Taps Projects: Accountability and Transparency ....................................................... 8
The Project Inventory ............................................................................................................ 8
Impact Monitoring: MajiData ................................................................................................ 8
5.
Metering, Tariffs and Operation ........................................................................................ 8
Metering and Meter Reading ................................................................................................ 8
Tariffs, Tariff Bands and Disconnections ............................................................................... 8
Sale of Yard Tap Water (Neighbourhood Sales) .................................................................... 8
6.
Operation & Maintenance ................................................................................................. 9
Conditions Yard Tap Users/Owners have to Comply With .................................................... 9
The Yard Tap Maintenance Poster......................................................................................... 9
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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7.
The (Yard Taps) Project Proposal Submitted by the WSP ................................................. 9
8.
Disbursements of Project Funds by the WSTF ................................................................... 9
9.
Forms of Support Provided by the WSTF ......................................................................... 10
List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 10
Yard Tap Maintenance Poster.................................................................................................. 11
Improving public health by constructing better yard taps
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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1. Improving Public Health: Need for Enforcing Technical Standards
Technical Requirements & Standards
In many urban low income areas water kiosks are not sustainable as residents have higher
expectations and are able and willing to pay for a better service level. A large number of
unplanned and planned low income areas are best served through yard taps (see Module 1,
Section 4, Document 1).
Unfortunately, most of the existing yard taps are poorly constructed and do not provide
easy access and the necessary levels of hygiene. Many yard taps are in fact health hazards as
their surroundings are dirty and muddy. There is need, therefore, to ensure that all yard
taps, constructed within the framework of WSTF-funded projects are metered, are easy to
keep clean, user-friendly and well-constructed.
The WSTF has developed technical standards for the yard tap. Drawings and bills of
quantities (BoQs) were prepared for an insitu yard tap and for a pre-cast yard tap. These
standards have been adopted by the sector.
Design of WSTF-Funded Yard Taps Projects
The following principles, agreements and activities are key elements of a WSTF-funded yard
taps project:
 The WSTF has developed 2 new yard tap designs; one improved insitu yard tap and one
improved pre-cast yard tap. These designs have been adopted by the Water Sector as
the new technical standard for yard taps.
 The new standards contribute to improved public health as they prevent contamination
of water during fetching.
 All new yard taps must meet the specifications embedded in the new standard. New
yard taps can exceed (be better than) the new technical standard, but not be worse.
 The Water Service Provider (WSP) should refuse - and has the right to refuse1 - to
connect a plot or premises if the landlord or household is unable or unwilling to meet
the technical standard for yard taps (see document 2 in this folder). The WSP should
only connect a yard if a yard tap has been constructed or installed which meets the
requirements of the WSP, the Water Services Board (WSB) and the WSTF.
 The distribution pipes connecting the yard tap to the distribution network have to be
paid by the owner of the plot. The technical works have to be either carried out by the
WSP, or supervised by the WSP. The materials have to be provided by the WSP or meet
the technical standards of the service provider.
1
According to Module 1, Section 4, File No. 2 (“Minimum Water Provision Standards”), the WSP can refuse to
connect a plot if the outlet is not constructed according to minimum standards.
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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2. The Project: Network Extensions & Provision of Subsidized Yard Taps
Main Components of a Yard Tap/Network Extension Project
A WSP, within the framework of a WSTF-funded project, may aim to extend its services to a
low income area through a network extension.
1. The project may also include a few demonstration yard taps (criteria that can be used to
identify yard tap beneficiaries are listed below).
2. The project can also include an improved yard tap promotion & subsidy programme.
3. The project can also include the provision of subsidized insitu or pre-cast yard taps,
provided the project is based upon the principle that beneficiaries should make a
significant contribution.
4. The project should also include a health and hygiene as well as a yard taps maintenance
component. All beneficiaries (landlords, plots) should be given a laminated yard tap
maintenance poster/manual.
Promotion of Yard Taps
Yard taps can be promoted/ marketed in several ways. The WSP could prepare a small
brochure which shows the advantages of yard taps. The WSP could also construct a
relatively small number of “demonstration yard taps” (see next section). Moreover, the WSP
could subsidise the yard tap.
The WSP may decide to conduct an induction meeting focussing on the yard tap concept
and principles for the Project Task Team (PTT). Alternatively, this could also be done during
the community barazas.
Criteria to Select Demonstration Yard Tap Beneficiaries
The question is how to identify and select the households or plot (premises) yards that are
going to benefit from the (free) demonstration yard taps? The following criteria can be used
to identify and select beneficiaries:



A plot within a metered area/zone.
A plot which is centrally located within the project area.
A landlord or tenants (living on an unconnected plot) who have already shown
interest in a yard connection.

A landlord or tenants (living on a connected plot) who have always paid their bill on
time and who have no debts with the WSP.

The landlord must be willing to provide an appropriate place/piece of land for
erecting the yard tap.

The WSP seeks the authority from the respective landlord before the yard taps are
erected.

Construction works commence once the landlord has agreed with the WSP on terms
and conditions of connections.

The landlord should be able and willing to pay the monthly water bills.
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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

A plot where handicapped persons, orphans and/or persons suffering from HIV/AIDS
are residing can be given preference (if all other criteria are met).
Beneficiaries are not related to WSP or WSB staff!
Preferably the WSP should use a combination of these criteria.
The Project Task Team (PTT) should be involved in determining the demonstration yard tap
sites but the WSP must actively participate in verifying/ confirming the suitability of the sites
in line with the WSTF requirements.
Note: A Yard Tap is not a Kiosk. Therefore, it cannot be constructed in an open public place
such as a market. A yard tap should be contrasted on privately owned plot.
Conditions Demonstration Yard Tap Users have to Comply with (Operation Phase)
The WSP is advised to insist that the beneficiaries comply with the following conditions:
 Beneficiaries should maintain the facility (yard tap) and report any technical
shortcomings.
 Beneficiaries are responsible for all required maintenance and repair works.
 Beneficiaries should keep the yard taps clean at all times.
 Beneficiaries should pay their bill on time.
 Beneficiaries should allow the WSP to visit their yard in order to demonstrate the
advantages of the yard tap to other residents.
Landlords and tenants should be training on the proper use and maintenance of the yard
tap. Special emphasis has to be given to such issues as:

How to read the water meter and estimate the bill.

Sharing and paying the monthly water bill.
3. From Demonstration Yard Taps to the Up-scaling of Yard Taps
The project demonstration phase only serves to demonstrate the advantages, operation and
maintenance of yard taps to residents.
The yard tap demonstration phase (if it is part of the project) is followed by the up-scaling
phase. During this phase the WSP is providing yard taps to residents (landlords and
householders who want to have a yard tap and who meet the requirements set by the WSP.
The Role of Subsidies and Contributions of Beneficiaries (Deposits)
The WSTF-funded network extension/yard tap promotion project can include a subsidy
component.
In other words, the WSP is allowed to include in its proposal a yard tap subsidy component,
provided the yard taps benefit the urban poor (e.g. tenants living in low income housing)!
Provision of Subsidies: The Principles
Within the framework of a WSTF-funded project which has a yard tap component or focus,
the WSP may consider providing yard connections at a subsidised price. A yard tap project
should be guided by the following principles:
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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1. The contribution made by the beneficiaries as well as the subsidy component should
be specified (amount in KSh per yard tap) in the Project Proposal (Application Form)
submitted by the WSP to the WSTF.
2. Beneficiaries should apply for the yard tap and make a significant (cash) contribution
(see table below).2
3. The subsidy can only be made available after the WSP has received the application
and the specified contribution requested from the applicant. The project should be
demand-driven!!
4. Subsidies should not be given directly to the landlords, households or families who
have applied for the yard tap. The WSP, after having received the beneficiaries’
contribution, ensures that an improved insitu yard tap is constructed - or that an
improved pre-cast yard taps is placed - at an appropriate site within the within the
plot. In other words, landlords and tenants do not receive cash.
5. Construction & installation works can be carried out by the WSP or by a qualified
contractor.
Additional Conditions and Requirements
The construction of yard taps (beyond the demonstration yard taps phase) should be guided
by the following:

Construction works commence once the landlord has agreed with the WSP on terms
and conditions of connections.

The water meter is installed under the landlords’ name and he or she is charged
according to the meter readings.

The landlord should be able and willing to pay the monthly water bills.

The landlord agrees with his tenants on the mode of payments (of the monthly
water bill). The WSP only deals with the landlord, not with the tenants.

The landlord is allowed to sell water to outsiders (non-tenants) but only at a (water
kiosk) tariff which has been set by the company and approved by the Regulator
(WASREB).
 WSP staff should regularly monitor and inspect the operations of the yard taps.
Landlords and tenants should be training on the proper use and maintenance of the yard
tap. Special emphasis has to be given to such issues as:

How to read the water meter and estimate the bill.

Sharing and paying the monthly water bill.
Number of Yard Taps per Plot
The Kenyan Water Sector has decided that one (1) yard tap can adequately serve 30
persons. If more than 30 persons live within one yard, the landlord can apply for more than
2
Experience acquired in Burkina Faso and Zambia, shows that although a subsidy approach may result in a
rapid increase in the number of (applications for) domestic connections (including yard taps), the problem
usually starts when the monthly water bill has to be paid. Disconnection rates in low income areas, where
the price of a domestic connection is mainly met through subsidies, are usually high.
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
7
one yard taps (depending on the number of persons residing on the plot. If there are 14
families on the plot the landlord/tenants may apply for 2 yard taps.
The WSP should verify the number of people living on a plot before subsidising more than
one yard tap.
Yard Taps: Overall Costs & Investment Costs per Beneficiary
The objective of the WSTF is that the yard tap subsidy per beneficiary does not exceed the
per capita investment cost of water kiosk-based projects.
The table below shows the estimated costs of a yard tap. The table also
Table 1: Yard taps; types, costs and subsidies
No.
Yard tap
Type
Total unit cost
Beneficiary contribution
KSh
KSh
Subsidy component
KSh
%
Estimated subsidy
KSh/beneficiary (2)
Insitu
1
a
Materials
14,000
4,000
b
Connection (1)
8,000
8,000
c
Labour
4,000
0
Total:
26,000
12,000
a
Materials
16,000
4,000
b
Connection
8,000
8,000
c
Labour
4,500
0
Total:
28,500
12,000
14,000
54
467
14,500
51
483
Pre-cast
2
1): Piping, water meter and connections
2): Assuming a plot/yard has a population of 30 persons
Who Constructs the Yard Tap?
Yard taps and their connections and meters should be constructed by:


The WSP.
Local contractors contracted by the WSP.
The WSTF has developed a (back-to-back, size A3, laminated) poster (containing the
drawings and Bill of Quantities (BoQ) which enables the WSP and local contractors to
construct an improved yard tap within their premises. This poster is found in Module 3,
Section 14 of this Toolkit.
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Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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4. Yard Taps Projects: Accountability and Transparency
The Project Inventory
The WSP and the Field Monitors have to provide a detailed inventory (geo-referenced
pictures and a description of the yard tap, its functionality and its hygienic and technical
condition) enabling the WSTF to verify whether subsidies were used effectively.
The inventory will also allow the WSP to assess whether its estimates with regard to the
demand for yard taps were correct.
Impact Monitoring: MajiData
The information collected (the inventory, including the geo-referenced picture) will be
entered in the project layer off MajiData. MajiData is the pro-poor online database of the
WSTF which contains detailed information on 1,881 urban low income areas. Everyone with
an internet connection (e.g. a connected computer or smartphone) is able to access
MajiData and verify whether yard taps actually exist.
The Project Task Team members and Meter Readers should be able to assist in locating all
the yard taps sites.
5. Metering, Tariffs and Operation
Metering and Meter Reading
All yard taps should be metered and the WSP should charge its customers on the basis of
actual meter readings (i.e. not on estimates & averages).
Tariffs, Tariff Bands and Disconnections
WSP customers who have/use a yard tap should not be charged a different tariff from the
other domestic customers. In other words, the yard tap owners/users should not be treated
as a Kiosk Operator (who do not pay a rising block tariff but pay the same tariff per m3
irrespective of their consumption).



If we accept hat a yard tap can adequate supply water to 30 persons.
If we assume that the social tariff applies to a consumption up-to 10m3/month.
Then the social band (block) allows for a consumption of 11 litres per person per day.
Sale of Yard Tap Water (Neighbourhood Sales)
Some owners of a yard tap will try to sell water to neighbours mostly at a profit. It will be
difficult to prevent this practice (neighbourhood sales) and the question remains whether
the sale of yard tap water should be regarded as an illegal activity.
However, the WSP has to ensure, through its tariffs and tariff structure (rising block tariffs),
and by monitoring the operations of the facilities, that yard tap owners are discouraged to
sell water for a price which is lower than the retail tariff paid by the customers of water
kiosks.
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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6. Operation & Maintenance
Conditions Yard Tap Users/Owners have to Comply With
The WSP is advised to insist that the users/owners of yard taps comply with a number of
conditions. Yard tap users/owners:





Should maintain the facility (yard tap) and report all technical shortcomings.
Are responsible for all required maintenance and repair works.
Should keep the yard taps clean at all times.
Should pay their bill on time.
Should allow the WSP to visit their yard in order to demonstrate the advantages of
the yard tap to other residents.
The Yard Tap Maintenance Poster
Landlords and users of newly constructed yard taps will be provided with a (laminated)
“Yard Tap Maintenance Poster”.
Note: The WSP is encouraged to liaise with the area Public Health Officer (PHO), as a
member of the Project Task Team, to promote and monitor the hygiene aspects of the yard
taps even after the project is completed.
7. The (Yard Taps) Project Proposal Submitted by the WSP
In addition to costs directly covered by the WSTF (such as the network extension) the WSP
should indicate the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The required network extensions, chambers, etc.
The type of yard tap that will be promoted & constructed (i.e. insitu or pre-cast).
The cost of each yard taps (labour & materials, including piping and metering).
The contribution (per yard tap) that beneficiaries have to make (amount &
percentage of unit costs).
5. The subsidy component (as a percentage of the overall unit costs).
6. The estimated number of subsidized connections that will be realised within the
framework of the WSTF-funded project.
7. The methodology/strategy for promoting the yard taps concept (particularly for
beneficiaries selections and hygiene promotion).
8. Disbursements of Project Funds by the WSTF
The WSTF will disburse the additional funds required to construct (subsidise) the yard taps
on the basis of the number of applications received. This means that the WSP has to inform
the WSTF if it intends to construct a number of yard taps.
The WSTF will follow the already existing procedure for the disbursement of the funds
needed for the construction of an initial number of yard taps and for the extension of the
network and other works and activities (including the accompanying measures).
The WSTF has developed a special disbursement schedule for yard taps.
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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9. Forms of Support Provided by the WSTF
In order to facilitate the successful implementation of projects which have a yard tap focus
the WSTF has developed the following tools:
1. A folder (Module 1, Section 4) which contains all the necessary tools to assess
demand and to design a yard tap project.
2. A laminated poster containing the drawings and BoQ of the insitu yard tap.
3. Drawings and the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) of an insitu yard taps as well as a pre-cast
yard tap are included in the Toolkit (see Module 6).
4. A laminated (size A4) “Yard Tap Maintenance Poster”.
5. An adapted Application Form.
6. An adapted disbursement schedule.
List of Abbreviations
AIDS:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
BoQ:
Bill of Quantities
HIV:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
WSB:
Water Services Board
WSP:
Water Service Provider
WSTF:
Water Services Trust Fund
__________________________________
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects
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Yard Tap Maintenance Poster
Key messages:

Keep your yard tap clean & how to keep it clean.

Keep the surroundings of the yard tap clean.

Keep the tap closed when you are not fetching water. You pay for the water wasted.

Do not do your laundry on the platform of the yard tap.

Make sure that waste water is led away from the yard tap.

Repairing your yard tap.
The Poster (text prepared in English and in Kiswahili):
The poster can depict a:

Poorly maintained yard tap.

Well maintained yard tap.
The poster can have the following text:
How to maintain your yard tap? A few simple rules:
1. Protect your family from water related diseases: Keep your yard tap and its
surroundings clean
2. Do not do your laundry on the platform of the yard tap
3. Keep drains open and clean and make sure that waste water is led away from the
yard tap
4. Keep the tap closed when you are not fetching water. You pay for the water wasted
5. Maintain your yard tap; Fix or replace a leaking tap
6. If you have any questions, please contact your water company
__________________________________________________________
Toolkit for Urban Water Supply Projects
Module 1
Preparing, Implementing & Operating Yard Tap Projects