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OCHSNER supports Solar-powered water pumps for Malawi

Together we make a difference!

Malawi is still one of the least developed countries in the world. The lack of access to clean water is a central problem with far-reaching consequences for the population. Many children are unable to go to school because of the water problem. There are many reasons for this: because they suffer from diarrhoea or other infections, or because they are responsible for the time-consuming task of fetching water. The latter mainly affects girls. Providing schools with clean drinking water is crucial in order to reduce cases of illness on the one hand and to enable girls and boys alike to have a self-determined future through access to education on the other.

However, the majority of Malawi‘s population relies on groundwater, which is extracted from shallow depths using diesel-powered hand pumps. However, due to environmental degradation caused by climate change, the groundwater level in some parts of the country has fallen far below the required level and is subject to periodic fluctuations.

UNICEF helps with solar-powered and climate change resilient water systems

In order to provide families and schools with access to safe and clean water even under these difficult conditions, UNICEF is supporting the repair of deeper boreholes equipped with solar pumps. Solar-powered water supply systems not only generate higher water yields - their robust structure and deeper boreholes make them sustainable, flood-resistant solutions. In combination with a water storage tank, a solar-powered water system can supply a community even in times of water scarcity. Solar-powered water systems also rarely break down and require less maintenance than hand pumps. Thanks to our strong partners, such as Ochsner Wärmepumpen, UNICEF was able to put a total of 164 solar-powered water supply systems into operation by the end of 2023, giving 786,082 people access to clean drinking water.

By using our water supply systems, which are powered by renewable energy, CO2 emissions have been reduced! Even a small solar-powered water system that works eight hours a day can save 46.7 tonnes of CO2 per year.

We will continue to build these systems in Malawi‘s communities in 2024, giving children and their families access to clean and safe water! UNICEF, in collaboration with the District Water Office, will mobilise and train people in the communities for each water system built. The training will cover topics such as water resource management and basic financial management. The knowledge imparted will contribute to the good management and sustainability of each water system. In addition, the community is sensitised and educated on important issues related to hygiene and sanitation practices.

Only with the help of strong partnerships can UNICEF continue to provide children and their families with access to essential clean water. In this way, our cooperation partners not only give the children in Malawi safe access to a water supply, but also enable the children to use their time for school again, to play with their friends and simply be allowed to be children!