New pump can save one hour per day

THE Netherlands' Ideas at Work (IaW) introduced a new water pump system that 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. 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 under two hours.