HOLLAND'S Ideas at Work (IaW) on Tuesday introduced a new water pump system that it says will make the lives of rural Cambodians easier, a company representative said.

"This is a pump that really could make a difference in the lives of rural people," said company coordinator Angelique Smit.

IaW unveiled the new Kandal pump during a launch event at its factory in Toul Kok for a group of NGO workers, contractors and local residents, Smit said.

The pump technology - previously used in Nicaragua and Nigeria and recognised in the World Bank's Development Marketplace Competition in 2006 - has been endorsed by Cambodia's Ministry of Rural Development, Smit said.

At a cost of US$40, the Kandal is cheaper than previous pumps sold by the company in Cambodia.

An earlier pump model, called the Rovai, was introduced in 2005. Similar to the Kandal, the Rovai included a water-quality tester and water filter but sold for $130, the company's business coordinator, Huy Dara said.

IaW has sold 940 Rovai pumps in the provinces of Battambang, Ratanakkiri, Kampong Thom and Kampong Speu, he added.

The Rovai pumps can draw 40-50 litres of water per minute, far more than conventional pumps, and can deliver cleaner water in a shorter amount of time, according to the company.

Going deep

The basic Rovai pump models reach a depth of eight metres but can go as deep as 30 metres depending on the location, Huy Dara said, adding that they can be installed in less than two hours.

Huy Dara said that Prasac Microfinance has created a lending programme that allows rural residents to purchase the pumps with a low-interest loan.

"Products of this quality rarely make it to rural areas," Smit said.

"We saw that we could do something about this and that the distribution channel is reaching rural communities. Local entrepreneurs can run this business to make money and to give people access to these products."

IaW was founded in 2005 to help find practical applications for new developmental technology, particularly in rural and lower income areas, Smit said.