Aqua Air Africa, a subsidiary of Moipone Group Investments, has launched Africa’s first atmospheric water generating plant in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria.
The plant is aimed at tackling the critical scarcity of potable water in South Africa.
The plant, which is based in the old Ga-Rankuwa Industrial Zone, produces 10 000 litres of clean potable water from air daily. Aqua Air Africa plans to expand production to 100 000 litres per day; thus, creating a sustainable water technology solution to address South Africa’s looming water shortage crisis.
Aqua Air Africa, founded in 2018 and led by CEO Keamogetswe Matsho, is a BBB-EE level 1 company that produces premium bottled water for clients in various sectors.
“Environmental realities such as rising temperatures and scarce rainfall are having a severe impact on the availability of drinkable water, as is a lack of investment in water infrastructure and maintenance. However, water is a basic human right and we at Aqua Air Africa are proud to be at the forefront of securing this right for our people through our operations in Ga-Rankuwa,” says Matsho.
According to the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan only 65 % of South Africans have access to safe and reliable water services. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) estimates that it will take R33 billion each year for the next 10 years to achieve water security, yet the budget for DWS is R15.5 billion – less than half of what is required. At the same time, DWS says 3 million South Africans still have no access to drinking water, forcing them to fetch water from rivers, streams, stagnant water pools and dams.
The water generating technology commissioned by Aqua Air Africa uses industrial and municipal scale water generating units to extract humidity from air and collect it in raw water storage tanks. The water goes through a multi-filtration system where it is filtered to remove impurities and particles. The water is then processed through a UV sterilisation system and ozonation to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms. The result of this process is chemical-free purified water with all-natural minerals.
Aqua Air Africa aims to partner with government and NGOs to provide drought and disaster-stricken areas and vulnerable people with safe, mineral-rich potable water that is easily accessible. Key to the company’s success is the partnership with the community of Ga-Rankuwa, where the company has created much-needed jobs and continues to use the services of local SMMEs.
“Our business approach is one that focuses beyond making profits, but rather more interested in becoming global citizens who are in touch with the realities affecting our people, adds Matsho.
1 Comment
Expression of interest to join the team.