Photo credit: Grundfos
International humanitarian organisation, ADRA International, and Grundfos recently entered a new, innovative partnership in an initiative that will offer access to clean water to approximately 1.5 million people in Africa, Asia, Central and South Africa, and the South Pacific over the next five years.
The goal of the partnership is to improve and save lives by putting renewable energy and water innovation technologies to pivotal roles in order to provide more efficient and sustainable water access rather than more traditional methods. As a part of this latest effort, multiple upcoming ADRA projects will start using Grundfos products, including single solar panel-powered water pumps to replace manual hand pumps, as well as automated water dispensers that function similarly to ATM machines, which dispense water at the swipe of a pre-charged card. The water projects will concentrate on underserved populations in peri-urban communities, in particular.
With Grundfos’ solar-power technology, ADRA has developed an innovative water kiosk model where customers can get clean water, buy hygiene supplies as well as other basic household requirements from a menu, and learn more about numerous hygiene topics through a range of displayed videos, among others. The kiosks will not only offer services to the community, but also generate revenue for the entrepreneurs who own them, as well as create jobs.
These kiosks will be installed in southwestern Haiti, Mozambique, and Nepal, where they will provide greater access to water for communities still recovering from natural disasters, such as Hurricane Matthew’s devastation in Haiti, and the El Niño-induced drought in Mozambique.
The partnership is a part of a larger five-year campaign to bring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions to ten millions vulnerable people around the world which aims to focus on the ways that better water solutions can lead to better lives through improved health, livelihoods, and nutrition, among others.
“Giving people access to safe water is a key part of the growth and development of any community.” Kim Nøhr Skibsted, Grundfos’ Group Vice President, Communication, Public Affairs & Engagement and member of Grundfos Group Management. “We are dedicated to improving how people access water and ensuring that the supply remains sustainable for years to come. With a trusted global partner like ADRA, we are certain that our combined efforts will create new opportunities and foster greater prosperity among many vulnerable people.”
“Grundfos is the global leader in supplying water pumps and supplying water pumps and using renewable energy to provide water, and their reputation for quality and innovation is well known,” Jonathan Duffy, president of ADRA International, said. “As ADRA looks to make a substantial impact on the lives of millions of people through clean water access over the next five years, we are proud to work alongside Grundfos to support so many families on their journey to greater prosperity.
