Thirsty Planet works with Pump Aid, a charity dedicated to clean water projects in Africa. www.pumpaid.org
In line with its own simple and direct philosophy, Thirsty Planet has worked with Pump Aid for over three years and has therefore ensured that its partner: Has a well conceived, simple and sustainable programme Is well managed and efficient in it’s use of funds Integrates with the communities it serves to help Pump Aid has been in existence since 1996 and now has over 3500 pumps installed in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. It has established itself as an efficient, focused and cost effective operator and this achievement has been recognised internationally. Pump Aid emerged as winner in the Development Marketplace Competition out of over 2,500 projects in the sector of water and energy nominated from 254 countries. The elephant pump can bring clean water to a village or school and support up to 500 people. This is considerably more efficient than other clean water solutions. Pump Aid works with a number of other effective and credible aid agencies and is very aware of the cultural and social issues relating to its work. It employs local people to assist in the preparation and installation of the pumps and this approach, together with the simplicity of the technology, ensures that over 95% of the 3,500 pumps are working at any one time.