SIWW 2016: Weida to become licensed manufacturer for man-powered VP500 Villagepump
Dutch-based Villagepump and Malaysia-based Weida signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to come to a licensing agreement for Weida to manufacture the VP500 Villagepump for the Asian-region.
The MoU between Villagepump and Weida was signed at the Netherlands water pavilion during the Singapore International Water Week on 11 July.
The villagepump combines the traditional hand-pump with a self-flushing suction filter, an automatically back-washed ultrafiltration membrane and – optional - an active carbon filter for the removal particle and waterborne pathogenes. The VP500 version can produce up to 500 litre drinking water per hour.
The agreement was signed by CEO Tan Yak Khoon (left on top photo) and project manager Joost de Waard (right) at Villagepump, witnessed by director Lennart Silvis (middle) of the Netherlands Water Partnership.
Villagepump displayed at the Singapore International Water Week by Asxban that developed a version for the removal of arsenic and fluoride.
Specially designed for rural drinking water supply
The Villagpump is a water purification device that can produce drinking water without external energy other than man-power. It is specially designed for water supply in rural areas, serving up to 1,500 people for their daily needs.
Without using energy and chemicals it can deliver drinking water that meets the WHO-standards from any fresh water source, including ponds, lakes and streams.
If used for immediate disaster-relief a unit can be operational within 30 minutes after arrival on location.
Presently, the Villagepump is operational in more than 20 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nepal (emergency relief).
Removal of arsenic and fluoride
Specially for the removal of arsenic and fluoride from ground water a special treatment process has been developed. These substances occur in high natural concentrations in countries such as Bangladesh, India and Nepal, causing severe health problems.
The technology has been tested by National University of Singapore (NUS) and is under certification by TüV-Süd Singapore.
Production facility in Malaysia
Villagepump is about to license the production of its VP500 version to Weida in Malaysia. Weida is a manufacturer of polyethylene products for the construction industry, including waste water treatment plants.
The company has 12 offices in Malaysia and the Philippines.
According to Joost de Waard at Villagepump a production facility in Malaysia brings the VP500 closer to the huge Asian market. Local production will significantly lower the sales price, shorten delivery-time and provide local jobs.
“This year we will be producing 200 Villagepumps. We expect this to increase to 500 in the near future”, De Waard told. “We expect several thousand devices to be sold in Malaysia and Indonesia.”
The Malaysian government aims to have 99 percent of its rural population to be served with clean water by 2020. This year the government allocated a budget of RM568 million for 3,000 houses.
Read also on this website
● SIWW 2016: A look back on an event that showcased a water industry willing to innovate, 18 July 2016
● SIWW 2016: PWN Technologies presents design CeraMac plant for Choa Chu Kang Waterworks, Singapore, 15 July 2016
● SIWW 2016: Aquaporin and Berghof Membranes announce development of new forward osmosis technology for waste water, 13 July 2016
● SIWW 2016: Optiqua to provide EventLab real time monitoring for drinking water network Shandong, China, 13 July 2016
● SIWW 2016: Waternet Amsterdam and PUB Singapore enter into a partnership for knowledge sharing, 12 July 2016
● SIWW 2016: Watershare launched Community of practice on emerging substances, 12 July 2016
● SIWW 2016: Water industry dare to start and learn by doing, 11 July 2016
● Meet the Dutch water sector at Singapore International Water Week 2016
● Magazine: Singapore - the Netherlands: Partnerships for water challenges (pdf-file)
More information
Singapore International Water Week 2016
www.siww.com.sg
Villagepump/Enviro-pure foundation
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
+ 31 20 6200 958
www.villagepump.org
Weida
Kuching, Malaysia
+6082 456 456
www.weida.com.my
Watch the video for an impression of a Villagepump in Mae Jo-Chiang Mai province, Thailand.