The average African woman spends over three hours a day fetching water. This adds up to a total of 1,095 hours per year, or 45 entire days. The water each mother brings home to her family is often unclean, causing over 80% of death and disease in the developing world. This was no different at Putti Village. Women and children would spend their days carrying water instead of going to school or earning a living. Thankfully in December 2009 due to the generous donation of Elisha Rothman, Innovation: Africa was able to provide solar power for a water pumping system in the village. Today, 20,000 liters of clean water is pumped each day to serve the village’s cooking, drinking and livestock needs. For the first time, women and children simply walk to the faucet in the center of town and bring home clean, safe and plentiful water for their families.

Kisuyi Village, home to 4,167 people and located remotely in Buyende, Uganda, faced a lack of access to clean water. Women and young girls walked multiple times a day to collect water from a contaminated source, enduring challenges during the dry season when the water source ran dry. Consuming water from existing sources led to waterborne illnesses. On August 14, 2023, a significant transformation occurred in the lives of the 4,167 villagers. Thanks to the generous donation of Michael & Barbara Kaplan, a solar water pumping system was installed, pumping an average of 35,040 liters daily through 8 taps via 7,641 meters of piping across the village. This installation has not only ensured better educational opportunities for children but has also stimulated economic growth. The health and productivity of the villagers have notably improved since then, putting the community on a path of continued growth and prosperity.

Lwanikha Mapeddo Village, with its 4,215 residents in Busia, Uganda, lacked access to clean water. Women and girls had to trek 5 km daily to fetch water from a contaminated source, leading to waterborne illnesses. Thanks to The Ted Arison Family Foundation’s support, Innovation: Africa installed a solar water pumping system on June 9, 2023. This has brought significant positive changes, with children back in school, women growing gardens for food security, and families practicing better hygiene. The community is thriving, healthier, and embracing new opportunities.