Pictured above: Andy Cooper (Managing Director,
CrossCountry), Andy Porter (Contracts Manager, CrossCountry) and
Scott Barnbrook (Aquaid)
Birmingham-based train operator CrossCountry has announced the
sponsorship of five Zimbabwean 'Elephant Pump' water wells as part
of the Company's partnership with water cooler suppliers Aquaid and
global water charity, Pump Aid.
The sponsored wells, which have been installed near five rural
villages across Zimbabwe, are now helping to provide clean drinking
and washing water for villagers while also assisting farmers with
crop irrigation. The wells, which are relied on heavily by remote
villages across Africa, have the ability to pump water from depths
of 50 metres and can produce one litre of water per second.
Pump Aid developed the award-winning Elephant Pump technology, a
low cost, community centred approach to sustainable water
production. The technology has been so successful that Pump Aid has
provided a lifetime's supply of clean water to over one million
people across Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Andy Cooper, Managing Director at CrossCountry said: "Aquaid
supply the drinking water for all of our offices and service
centres across the UK and as part of that deal, we were delighted
to have the opportunity to sponsor the five Elephant Pumps. It's
well-documented how tough life is in certain parts of Zimbabwe and
we have been touched by several heart-felt letters we have received
from villagers and children who have directly benefited from the
scheme. It's not only lack of water which affects people, but it's
estimated that 4,000 African children die every day from poor
sanitation. The whole scheme is a brilliant idea and lets
businesses here in the UK lend their support to meaningful projects
in poorer countries - projects which directly benefit those in
need. We're glad to be doing our bit and hope to do more."
Scott Barnbrook, Branch Manager at Aquaid's Birmingham and
Midlands Central office added: "Aquaid have now managed to topple
the £6 million mark in donations to both Christian Aid and
Pump Aid. This is with the help and continued support of morally
aware companies such as CrossCountry who have helped via
Aquaid."