This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
On a mission to bring clean water to rural Kenya, Davis & Shirtliff has embarked on an ambitious project to install solar-powered water pumps in underserved communities.
According to the company's Chairman, Mr. Alec Davis, water access challenges have been exacerbated by the over-supply of costly diesel and electric powered generators and pumps that remain out of reach for the rural population.
‘These installations are expensive to purchase, run and maintain and are not viable for poorer rural requirements,' Mr. Davis said in an interview.
With the help of UNICEF and the World Health Organization's 2017 Joint Monitoring Programme on water and sanitation, Davis & Shirtliff has identified a pressing need for alternative water solutions in rural areas.
‘With the extraordinary development of solar technology over the past decade in terms of both cost reduction and technology, a much better alternative is now available – solar powered pumping systems,' Mr. Davis explained.
The company has developed a range of economical and efficient solar pumps, dubbed Dayliff Sunflow solar pumps, to connect many households with reliable water supply.
‘Benefits of this new solution are huge with capital costs of the pumps being lower than traditional hand pumps and providing totally cost and maintenance free operation – systems simply start with the sun and pump all day,' Mr. Davis said.
