Baseco Compound, one of the largest and densest slums in Manila, gained access to clean water supply with two new water treatment systems given by a Danish foundation.
Grundfos Foundation gave out a community grant worth P7.1 million to install the Grundfos systems, which are solar powered water-filtration units, with the help of Grundfos Philippines and Asia Society for Social Improvement & Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).
The new water treatment systems can help provide up to 4,000 liters of clean water per hour and has a total production capacity of 96,000 liters per day. This will enable more than 4,000 locals per day to receive safe water for drinking and hand washing.
The Grundfos systems were launched on October 29 in Baseco Compound. Representatives from the community, Grundfos Philippines, and ASSIST attended the event.
Grundfos Foundation Executive Director Kim Nøhr Skibsted said seeing the water and sanitation requirements of Baseco Compound has been an "eye-opener" for the group, inspiring them to help more communities get access to clean water.
"Critical life sources such as clean water and sanitation facilities have always been imperative. It is needed now more than ever as lack of access to these basic needs may bring greater health risks to communities and make them highly susceptible to the spread of diseases such as COVID-19," she said.
Meanwhile, Grundfos Philippines General Manager Jonathan Breton underscored how the water treatment systems can help residents of the compound gain skills through livelihood training.
“These water systems are not only sustainable with respect to the environment but will also ensure financial stability of its operations through the social enterprises being built around it. This will in the long-run support its operations and provide livelihood opportunities for the residents of Baseco,” he said in a statement.
The Kabalikat sa Pag-unlad ng Baseco People’s Organization will be leading a community cooperative of water business and health-related livelihood such as soap-making. Net proceeds from these activities will go to information campaigns and trainings in the community.
Grundfos Philippines and ASSIST said they are working on scaling up this project by installing more water purification systems in Baseco along with other partners.