The Franklin Wells for the World Foundation continues its mission to bring safe, reliable, cost-effective and clean drinking water to developing regions, with its latest work focusing on Namibia.

“Throughout the many projects I have done in my life, the most outstanding thing I’ve seen by far is the ability to give dignity back to the people,” says Attie Jonker, vice president, Commercial Group – South Africa at Franklin Electric. Wells for the World is the charitable arm of Franklin Electric.

“We see young girls leaving school as they hit puberty because proper sanitation isn’t available,” Jonker continues. “Investing in these communities through schools allows young girls a chance to pursue education. Before these projects, the number of boys in school outweighed the number of girls approximately 3 to 1. Now, young girls can attend a school where all children have clean water, toilets and sanitary conditions. With the reduced time involved in accessing clean water, more women have been able to take classes, learn computer skills, and earn money by growing and selling vegetables. These are things many of us take for granted on a daily basis.”

In 2019, the FWWF focused its efforts on Namibia in southern Africa. Extended droughts in Namibia have reduced access to fresh water, typically acquired from hand-dug wells. This lack of water led to an increase in deaths of both people and animals. What little water was available was contaminated with pollutants, the foundation said in a release. Villagers must travel as much as 9 miles to help women collect water for cooking, bathing and more. Without access to clean water near school buildings, sanitation becomes impossible for students and faculty, leading to illness and death.

Using Franklin Electric’s groundwater expertise and products, FWWF partnered with six public schools and community organizations to provide the equipment needed to access safe drinking water. Because the area of Namibia is extremely remote, diesel, gas and fuel-driven pumps were not a viable option. The little electricity available in Namibia is often unreliable and costly. Utilizing Franklin Electric solar pumping systems, FWWF was able to provide new water wells for efficient access to fresh, potable water.

In a release, the company called these solar pumping systems “the perfect fit for the application,” since they eliminate the need to pay for additional electricity and require less operational maintenance.

Providing the equipment to access clean water increases the overall quality of life of an area for years to come. After completing each FWWF project, the foundation checks back with community leaders and residents to assess the project’s impact.

“We often see tremendous growth and increased opportunities for women and children,” Jonker notes. “With another year of FWWF projects completed, the school children, their families, and the surrounding communities have all benefited from new water well installations. Ever essential water has improved the health, daily life, and futures of another 20,000 lives.”

For more information on FWWF, including past projects, visit their website.

Franklin Electric offers an array of systems and components for moving water and automotive fuels. It serves residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial and municipal customers around the world. For more information, visit www.franklinwater.com.