Many water companies in East-Africa do not have a map of their water supply network or their customers and rely on the knowledge of technicians and operators when this information is needed. Water companies risk losing this knowledge when people retire or leave the company. They also face difficulties applying for grants or loans, often at least a basic overview map is required to support the request. A water supply network map can also be the basis for more systematic asset management.

Basic mapping of networks and customers does not need a big investment in software, devices, manpower or training. Chanzo has developed work flows can be carried out in the field by technicians and processed in the office by secretaries using Open Source software, such as QGIS and basic smart phones. The procedures are always closely adjusted to the capacity of the staff of the water companies.

Chanzo has supported water companies in Tanzania (Tukuyu, Kyela, Chunya, Mbalizi) and Kenya (Kakuma) in mapping their networks and customers.