Committed partnerships drive change in developing countries

Add credit to plastic card. Tap card to machine. Pour water. The simple method behind Grundfos’ innovative AQtap, known as water ATM, has made a real difference to thousands of Africans living in slums and remote villages.

The initiative is a result of a formalised partnership between international NGO World Vision and Grundfos with the stated aim of providing 2 million people in sub-Saharan Africa with clean water by 2020. So far, 800,000 have benefited.

Since joining forces in 2016, World Vision and Grundfos have contributed respective core competences in developing countries. Typically, World Vision mobilises communities and installs a Grundfos pump and solar-powered water ATM specifically designed for low-resource settings.

“Global water challenges can be solved through innovation and sustainable, market-driven solutions in close cooperation between governments, NGOs and the private sector. Our partnership with Grundfos is central to our efforts and, thanks to our collaboration, clean water can be made available at any time, making a huge difference to communities that previously had to wait for water or struggle to obtain it,” says Keith Kall, Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships, from World Vision.

Kenya’s Makueni County aims for access to clean water for all households by 2020 with around 20,000 people already benefiting from the partnership between World Vision and Grundfos. Here, waterborne diseases and strenuous walks to dry riverbeds have been replaced by accessible, reliable supplies of low-cost clean water.

“This kind of tangible impact on people's lives is exceptionally important for us. The Kenya example illustrates what can be achieved in a partnership. We bring knowledge, cutting-edge technology and equipment. Coupled with World Vision’s contacts, deep local insight and humanitarian focus, we have a winning combination for all parties that also fulfils our commitment to help bring water to those who need it the most. That is our humble contribution to The Sustainable Development Goal 6,” says Mads Nipper, CEO Grundfos.

The water ATMs in Kenya feature Grundfos’ AQtap dispenser, which ensures sustainable water supply no matter the setting. Through an integrated platform for revenue collection and online management of ATMs, Grundfos AQtap supports the financial viability and accountability of water service operations.