As the international community continues to fight against the scourge of the Covid-19 global pandemic, South Africa continues to look at innovative ways to address sanitation and hygiene locally. Atlas Copco, a multinational company, specialising in the manufacture of industrial equipment, together with their rental equipment division, Rand Air, has joined the ongoing fight against the effects of the virus in rural South Africa. The organisation partnered with Filpro to stem a second wave in high risk communities. As such, Atlas Copco and Rand Air have donated 100 freestanding handwashing units to schools in Gauteng, Kwa Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape.
In the Eastern Cape 30 handwashing units were donated throughout the province and in both Gauteng, Kwa Zulu Natal and Mpumalanga, a number of schools received a handwashing unit. The washing units manufactured by Automotive enterprise development company Filpro, have a 420-litre water capacity and a soap dispenser which can cater for 9000 hands to be washed. Schools benefitting vary between very small rural schools and larger high schools and primary schools with enrolments of over 1 000 learners per school. Over 10 000 school-going children as well as their teachers, will be impacted by this donation. The washing stations also reached schools catering for learners with disabilities who are blind or deaf.
“The first line of defence against Covid-19 is handwashing with water and soap and unfortunately many vulnerable communities do not have access to clean water and sanitation. Atlas Copco and Rand Air donated the handwashing units as clean water is a crucial element in the battle to curb the spread of the virus and ensure safe hygiene practices. This is just one of the ways in which we are playing our role in reducing the impact of socio-economic challenges exacerbated by Covid-19.” says Atlas Copco communications professional for Sub-Saharan Africa Noluthando Zondo.
“The lack of sanitation and clean water in the country remains a massive challenge – the need has never been more pressing than now. We hope the donations provide vital assistance and comfort in communities where support is needed most.” concludes Zondo.
Atlas Copco have a longstanding relationship with Filpro on various initiatives and most recently the organisations have resumed their assistance programmes for automotive mechanics in Mdantsane outside East London, and continue providing tools and support to SMMEs and mechanics in the automotive sector to ensure their competitiveness.
