This is fascinating!
http://12degreesoffreedom.blogspot.com/2008/02/valuable-play-equipment.html
North singled out the PlayPumps project as an especially productive combination of appropriate technology with community ownership -- critical ingredients to the sustainability of clean water projects like community wells. The PlayPumps Global Development Alliance, he explained, is a $60 million public-private partnership among USAID, foundations and the South African company PlayPumps International. The device is a merry-go-round that pumps water to the surface from a capped well as children play on it. North said the goal of the USAID partnership with PlayPumps was to place 4,000 of the innovative water pumps in schools and villages by the year 2010. Part of the costs of the pumps and wells are recouped through advertising displayed on the water towers built to store the water. In addition to providing clean water and "valuable play equipment," North told lawmakers the PlayPumps have proved effective in promoting "improved sanitation and hygiene behaviors and a reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDS through public awareness campaigns." The PlayPumps innovative but simple technology also "spurs economic progress through the development of manufacturing, distribution, parts supply and maintenance services associated with the pump technology," North told the House panel.
North singled out the PlayPumps project as an especially productive combination of appropriate technology with community ownership -- critical ingredients to the sustainability of clean water projects like community wells.
The PlayPumps Global Development Alliance, he explained, is a $60 million public-private partnership among USAID, foundations and the South African company PlayPumps International. The device is a merry-go-round that pumps water to the surface from a capped well as children play on it.
North said the goal of the USAID partnership with PlayPumps was to place 4,000 of the innovative water pumps in schools and villages by the year 2010. Part of the costs of the pumps and wells are recouped through advertising displayed on the water towers built to store the water.
In addition to providing clean water and "valuable play equipment," North told lawmakers the PlayPumps have proved effective in promoting "improved sanitation and hygiene behaviors and a reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDS through public awareness campaigns."
The PlayPumps innovative but simple technology also "spurs economic progress through the development of manufacturing, distribution, parts supply and maintenance services associated with the pump technology," North told the House panel.
annie