Project Maji’s expansion to Uganda is a remarkable achievement for our small yet rapidly growing enterprise. This milestone serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of effective partnerships. The journey began in 2021 when Uganda Water Project and Project Maji initiated discussions about collaboration in Uganda. Together, UWP and Project Maji were invited to the WaterTime consortium, a collaboration spearheaded by the Dutch NGO Woord & Daad and supported by Practica Foundation. In June 2022, we turned on the taps of the first Mini Maji, which is installed and will be maintained by UWP.
“The uniqueness of our partnership lies in the incredible blend of online collaboration and occasional in-person meetings. It is amazing to witness how all the planning and execution unfolded seamlessly through remote connectivity. I had the pleasure of meeting Nelline (Woord en Daad) in person last November, and only recently, I met the Uganda Water Project for the first time in person. As the CEO & Founder of Project Maji, I remain a staunch believer in hybrid working. While in-person interaction holds undeniable value, the accomplishments we have achieved remotely, fuelled by the determination and shared vision of our like-minded partners, have been nothing short of incredible.” - Sunil Lalvani, Founder & CEO, Project Maji
The WaterTime Consortium: Uniting Expertise for Lasting Impact
At the forefront of this collaborative effort is the WaterTime consortium, a three-year program led by Woord en Daad. Bringing together the water expertise of Project Maji, Uganda Water Project, and Practica Foundation, the consortium is committed to enhancing equitable access to water by managing sustainable, paid drinking water services for rural communities in Central Uganda. A key focus is on reducing rural water poverty through innovative techniques such as solar-powered access points, electronic payment systems, and integrated post-structure maintenance support. The WaterTime consortium aims to directly impact over 26,000 people, deploying 15 solar-powered water-piped systems, 36 communal water access points, and establishing household connections.
Collaboration and Co-Creation: Leveraging Expertise
To truly accelerate rural water access, the WaterTime consortium leverages the expertise of each partner. Woord en Daad takes the lead in coordinating overall project planning, providing strategic guidance, and addressing operational and budgetary matters. Project Maji, as the safe water enterprise, assumes responsibility for developing, supplying, and guiding the implementation of solar-powered water systems. Leveraging innovative technologies such as remote monitoring and e-payment, Project Maji ensures optimal and sustainable service delivery. Uganda Water Project oversees the implementation and maintenance of solar-powered water-piped systems through their servicing arm, AquaTrust. They also establish vital government partnerships to advance the consortium’s rural water agenda. Additionally, Practica Foundation, a non-profit rural water consultancy agency, serves as an external advisor to the consortium, offering technical guidance on systems design and rural water engineering.
By forging effective partnerships and leveraging their collective expertise, Project Maji, Uganda Water Project, Woord en Daad, and Practica Foundation are making significant strides in expanding access to clean water. This case study exemplifies the transformative impact that collaborative efforts can have on sustainable development initiatives, not just in Uganda but throughout the entire pan-African region.
For more stories of impact and impactful partnerships, head to our Impact Report 2022-2023.