DRC – AQUAtap Oasis Partnership SARL, a joint venture between Canadian Quest Water Global and Kalo Products SARL based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has partnered with telecommunication company, Orange DRC to foster an easier and reliable mode for the citizens to access clean water.

Quest Water Global, is an innovative water technology company and developer of the fully automated, solar-powered AQUAtap water purification, desalination, and distribution technology.

Under the partnership, Orange DRC will enhance AQUAtap Oasis’ ability to serve the DRC population in securing access to clean water through its Orange Money platform.

Orange DRC will integrating AQUAtap Oasis’ electronic water management and cashless revenue collection systems into its Orange Money digital revenue collection platform, allowing the public to purchase water from AQUAtap Oasis Community Water Centers using their mobile phones.

“Our inclusive business model, which we are currently implementing in the DRC, is a holistic and impactful approach to securing access to clean, safe, reliable water to underserved, marginalized populations while providing socio-economic benefits to the communities in which we operate,” commented Isaac Kalonji Jr., Managing Director of AQUAtap™ Oasis.

The partnership will allow the JV to reach a greater number of people in need of clean water, which will generate additional sales.

“Our companies are collaborating to achieve a first in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: pioneering the digital distribution of clean water.

“This partnership with Orange DRC, a leading telecom provider, is an outstanding accomplishment as it is further proof that our clean water solutions are perfectly adapted to serve the needs of the underserved population of the DRC,” added Issac.

Under the terms of agreement, Orange DRC will manage all financial transactions for AQUAtap Oasis, including the collection and transfer of funds from the sale of water to AQUAtap Oasis’ bank account via the Orange Money platform.

This will be in exchange for a commission of 3.5%, including all taxes, on the value of all payments received by Orange DRC on behalf of AQUAtap Oasis.

Orange DRC will also provide promotional marketing services throughout the DRC for the water initiative using radio, print, and social media.

Further, the AQUAtap Oasis Community Water Centers will benefit from access to free wireless internet for real-time water management and cashless revenue collection systems.

In addition, the telecommunication company will provide 20-liter co-branded, food-grade water containers for use by customers in each community, and hand-sanitizing stations at each AQUAtap installation site.

AfDB unveil initiative to secure climate-resilient water services in Africa

In other related news, the African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Nordic Development Fund and the Government of Denmark will roll-out a program to strengthen access to climate-resilient water and sanitation resources in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger and Somalia.

The initiative is expected to strengthen recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and enhance the sustainability of water systems through the construction or upgrade of existing infrastructure.

The program will also support feasibility studies to prepare bankable projects that contribute to increased financing for water, sanitation and hygiene services, improving human health, child education and economic productivity.

“Resilient infrastructure is at the core of the African development process. An investment of US$93 billion per year will be required for the next decade to fill Africa’s infrastructure gap,” said Aage Jorgensen, Program Manager of the Nordic Development Fund.

Tobias von Platen-Hallermund, Chief Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark said, “The program will focus on immediate improvements, through rehabilitation, expansion and climate proofing of existing water supply systems, sanitation and handwashing facilities. In the longer term, the program will focus on preparing projects that are investment ready.”

The initiative will also seek to provide technical assistance to institutions and mitigate climate-related flood and drought risk in the target countries, which experience a highly variable climate including irregular rainfall and persistent drought.

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE