Innovative solutions for drinking water supply

Safe, filtered drinking water is available around the clock every day at four locations in Mbita, Sindo, Sori and Nyandiwa. For the water filter, we decided on a product from “Solar Spring,” a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). They make robust, low-maintenance water filtration systems specifically for rural developing regions. The system has a multi-stage filtration process that reliably produces the best and safest drinking water. It can filter up to 15,000 liters of water per day. Social marketing efforts are in place to inform customers how contamination occurs and how contaminated drinking water can affect their health. The water is sourced from rain and from Lake Victoria, meaning a steady supply of clean drinking water is available even during drought periods. Water is available for customers at any time using an ATM system. A token is used to purchase the water; these can be topped up using cash at a WeTu hub or using the MPESA mobile payment system.