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Sembabule, Uganda - March 16, 2021: About 785 million people across the world lack access to basic water services, like drinking water from an improved source. Collection time is not more than 30 minutes for a roundtrip including queuing. Four out of five of those people live in rural areas. Handpumps are the main technology used for water supply in these communities, yet it is estimated that one-third of handpumps in Sub-Saharan Africa are non-functional at any given time. In Uganda, the Ministry of Water reports that in 2020, only 68% of rural villages had access to a safe water source. Low coverage and poor functionality of water sources leaves millions of people without access to clean water. Water Compass, a non-profit organization is using solar-powered technology to provide clean water to rural communities in Uganda. Handpumps are replaced with solar-powered pumps which can deliver water up to numerous points of access. For the operation and maintenance of the water system, a solar-powered digital payment system is used. Customer’s load credit for water onto a small token which can be used at any water point. Through the use of renewable energy and new technology, Water Compass is able to keep operating costs low and provide a reliable, affordable and sustainable source of clean water for communities. ( Footage by; Feature Story News/Getty)