Company Announcement - Through the Water for All project, Atlas Copco, a leading provider of sustainable industrial productivity solutions, sets out to make clean, potable water a possibility for all and the latest beneficiaries of this remarkable initiative are learners from the Mhlazane Primary School in Rorke’s Drift, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The Water for All project finances the installation of infrastructure and facilities that promote accessibility to clean water for disadvantaged communities in the rural areas. The project was first introduced to the Rorke’s Drift area in 2011 and commenced with the drilling of three boreholes by Atlas Copco, in association with local NGO, the David Rattray Foundation. “Mhlazane Primary school was one of the beneficiaries of the project which was completed in late 2012,” explains Kgothatso Ntsie, Atlas Copco South Africa’s Corporate Communications Manager, South and sub-Sahara Africa.

Prior to the introduction of the boreholes, the school of over 465 learners, collected water from the river or depended on rainwater harvested in Jojo tanks. However this has now all changed thanks to the Water for All initiative which has made a huge and positive impact on the school. Easier access to water is facilitating some of the primary school’s projects including the vegetable garden which is used in their learner feeding scheme.

On 13 November 2015, a delegation of eight Atlas Copco board members visited Mhlazane Primary School to witness the project’s efforts and growth in South Africa. “Atlas Copco South Africa was host to the very first visit by board members to a Water for All project site,” says a very proud Ntsie. The delegation included Atlas Copco’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Governance as well as Peter Wallenberg Jr, whose father helped start the initiative back in 1984. Peter Wallenberg Jr gave a moving speech on the history of the Water for All initiative where Atlas Copco is one of the larger contributors. “This is an exceptional experience which has opened the eyes of the board members to a region that has not has any rainfall since April and to see the good effect this project is having on the school!,” remarks Peter. Commenting on the good work being done by the David Rattray Foundation helping some 19 schools in the area, Peter points highlights the fact that such a small foundation can do so much. “We must see to it that we continue doing these projects.”

Atlas Copco donated 10 soccer balls to the learners and the cheerful atmosphere became even more festive when the learners entertained the delegation with singing and dancing. School Principal, Mrs. Ndlovu, was thrilled to have international guests at her school and expressed her gratitude stating that the project had changed their lives for the better and has alleviated some of the many problems they were experiencing in the area. Grade 7 learner, Amanda Ndebele, says that they are so grateful for this project because it is very important to drink water especially during this drought when temperatures are extremely high.

“Given the protracted drought that is gripping large regions of southern Africa, the importance of this project cannot be overstated,” notes Kgothatso. “Water gives life and the Water for All project is making a difference in the lives of many people and is also in line with Atlas Copco’s commitment to sustainable productivity through standing by our responsibilities towards our customers, our environment and the people around us. The school visit was a huge success; the board members were most impressed with the efforts and left feeling proud of their association with Atlas Copco.’

Water for All is Atlas Copco’s primary community engagement initiative that was founded by Atlas Copco employees in Sweden 31 years ago. This non-profit, employee-run initiative enjoys representation in over 40 countries and supports projects all over the world. Through voluntary donations boosted by the Atlas Copco Group, this organisation has thus far provided clean drinking water to more than 1.5 million people around the globe. The local Water for All initiative was started in 2009 and has provided clean water for disadvantaged communities in KZN and Limpopo, thanks to the generous support of approximately 15% of Atlas Copco employees.

To learn more about Water for All and the Peter Wallenberg Water for All Fund, please visit www.water4all.org