What normally comes to mind when thinking about the nexus between energy, water and climate change?  Probably things like energy-efficient water pumps, solar panels for water purification, or methane recovery in wastewater treatment plants - all routinely discussed in conferences and seminars around the world, and featured in the scientific literature grappling with climate change mitigation and water scarcity issues.

Community stand-post, Frasers informal settlement. Tongaat: Phindile Nyawose, EWS.

By Tracey Keatman, Programme Director. Building Partnerships for Development ***

 We had been discussing some of the technical, financial, social and business innovations developed and then delivered by EWS across the municipality to increase or enhance service delivery to the un-served. Necessity is clearly a major driver for innovation – but can innovation (of any nature) on its own have the impact we need to provide services to all? During my week with EWS I saw how the potential for developing innovative ideas and approaches can best be harnessed by an organization that has an enabling and open culture; where an ethos of incremental learning and a willingness to learn by doing goes hand-inhand with evidence-based strategic decision-making.

Versión en español

A few months ago, the Leopard Haiti Fund made its first investment in Dlo Haiti, a private provider of drinking water, working in underserved areas in Haiti. Dlo’s plan is to establish some 300 kiosks throughout Haiti, serving more than 1 million consumers and creating over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Following the investment, Dlo turned to Mahotte, Saintard, and Luly, a cluster of neighboring coastal towns in the Ouest department of Haiti. Until now, these communities have been relying on a delivery system, where trucks transport water from the capital. Not a very efficient method, as these communities can be between 1.30 – 2 hours from Port-au-Prince. The water “kiosk” – operated by Dlo Haiti under the brand name “Ovive” – functions as a small factory, staffed by locals and providing a local product for the local population.