In early 2025, a new chapter unfolded in Luapula Province, Zambia.

Through our partnership with Plan International Zambia (PIZ) and Plan International Canada, nearly 800 Solvatten kits were distributed across the rural communities of Chibeleka and Lukangaba – bringing clean, hot water to over 4,700 people.

The project is part of a larger effort to expand access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and encourage sustainable water practices. In Luapula, that effort centred around community – around working with people, not just for them.

From the very beginning, community members and leadership were at the heart of the rollout. The project launched in March with a gathering that brought together district officials, local media, school staff, and sponsorship participants – alongside His Royal Highness Chief Matanda and the Mansa District Commissioner.

In rural communities, chiefs and elders are gatekeepers of trust and tradition. Their engagement lends legitimacy to new initiatives, helps build community confidence, and, ultimately, accelerates behavioural change. Therefore, to support local engagement and encourage adoption, four Solvatten kits were donated to Chief Matanda and Chief Kalasa Lukangaba. By trying out the technology themselves, they could experience its benefits firsthand and, thus, champion solar-powered water across their communities.

The event also featured practical demonstrations led by trained facilitators and local health workers. Training sessions were carefully adapted to local contexts, using clear language and culturally relevant examples to ensure all participants – regardless of literacy level – could confidently use, maintain, and store their Solvatten kits.

This project is made possible thanks to our ongoing partnership with Plan International Zambia and Plan International Canada. Together, we’re taking real steps toward meeting the urgent need for clean and hot water in rural, off-grid communities.

If you’d like to learn more about this project or our partnerships, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to get in touch at hello@solvatten.org.