A "first-of-its-kind" self-sustaining rural water treatment system that operates without grid electricity or solar power will launch in Botswana to help accelerate clean water provision
The Scotmas Bravo Hydro, which generates its own power through a tiny hydro-electric generator inserted in the water pipe, will be rolled out to 40 villages in the country from January 2017 as part of a project to disinfect water in rural, hard-to-reach areas.
"The need for effective disinfection in remote areas of developing countries has never been greater, but difficulties include a lack of reliable grid electricity, potential theft of solar panels from remote locations, and the difficult maintenance required for venturi pump systems," commented Scotmas MD Alistair Cameron.
"Working in close partnership with our clients throughout Asia and Africa, we have worked to bring the latest innovations in hydro-electric technology to the water treatment sector. The Bravo Hydro also incorporates the latest IoT technologies, to use mobile and satellite data links in order to provide remote monitoring for the operation of isolated water stations."
Scotmas' product aligns with a large investment by the Botswanan government to improve water distribution to rural communities and assist in socio-economic development.
A delegation from the Botswana Water Authority recently met representatives from Scotland's economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, in a visit to Scotmas' site.
Sources of safe drinking water in Botswana are increasingly at threat due to factors including drought and a rise in population numbers.
