Access to water is about far more than quenching thirst. It is about health, dignity, education, food security, economic opportunity, and hope. Across Africa and the Pacific, communities continue to face the daily challenge of collecting water, often requiring women and children to walk long distances carrying heavy containers.
Thanks to the dedication of community leaders, donors, NGOs, governments, volunteers, and international partners, thousands of people are now experiencing a different reality through the simple yet powerful innovation of the Hippo Roller.
Bringing Water Security to Remote Pacific Island Communities
In the Marshall Islands, a remarkable partnership between the U.S. Department of State (US DoS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Kwajalein Atoll Local Government delivered 200 Hippo Rollers across some of the most remote island communities in the Pacific through the IMPACT II project.
The distribution reached vulnerable households across Santo Island, Ebeye Island, Enebouj Island, Ebadon Island, Carlos Island, Mejato, and Bikej Island.
For families living on remote atolls where water access remains a daily challenge, the Hippo Roller is helping households transport significantly more water per trip while reducing physical strain and improving safe water storage practices. The project demonstrates the power of international cooperation and community leadership working together to improve resilience and quality of life in isolated environments.
Reaching Zambia’s Most Vulnerable Communities
In Southern Zambia, 250 Hippo Rollers were successfully donated to vulnerable households in Chief Siachitema’s Chiefdom in the Kalomo District through the efforts of the Lugwasho Foundation Zambia.
The initiative is helping ensure that safe and dignified access to water is no longer a daily struggle for families living in some of the region’s most remote areas. Women and children who once carried heavy buckets over long distances can now transport far more water with significantly less effort.
The project was honoured by the support and encouragement of His Royal Highness Chief Siachitema, whose commitment to improving the wellbeing of his people continues to inspire meaningful change throughout the region.
Supporting Families and Livelihoods in Botswana
In Botswana’s Okavango region, 43 Hippo Rollers and four large JoJo water storage tanks have already begun transforming daily life across six villages in the Maun area.
This project was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of Rotary Okavango, the Rotary Clubs of Longmont, Twin Peaks and Boulder in the United States, Rotary District 5450, and local fundraising efforts.
The impact extends beyond household water collection. Families now have improved access to water for drinking, cooking, hygiene, and small-scale economic activities. One particularly inspiring example is a local papermaking enterprise that is using a Hippo Roller to increase production, demonstrating how improved water access can help create economic opportunities and strengthen livelihoods.
Rotary Okavango members personally attended every delivery, ensuring families understood how to assemble, use, and maintain their Hippo Rollers for maximum long-term benefit.
Transforming Lives One Family at a Time in South Africa
Across South Africa, the Unity Water Foundation and its partners continue to demonstrate how a single Hippo Roller can profoundly impact a household.
In Shiyaz, near uMngeni, a donated Hippo Roller brought immediate joy to Shadrick and his aunt. What made the moment especially meaningful was Shadrick’s determination not only to use the Roller for his own family but also to help his neighbours by collecting additional water for them. His enthusiasm quickly turned into a community moment as curious neighbours gathered to learn how the Roller worked.
In Evendale, near Pietermaritzburg, Nontobeko and her family received a 90-litre Hippo Roller that dramatically changed the burden of water collection. What previously required ten exhausting trips carrying 20-litre buckets up a steep hill can now be accomplished in just two trips. For someone already struggling with knee problems, this represents a significant improvement in quality of life.
Another moving story comes from Mrs. Zuma, a resilient woman facing serious health challenges following surgery. Before receiving her Hippo Roller, she was forced to pay others to collect water from a distant source because she could no longer carry heavy buckets herself. Upon receiving the Roller, her joy was immediate and heartfelt. She described feeling more loved and cared for than ever before, highlighting the profound emotional impact that practical support can have on vulnerable individuals.
The gift that changed Mrs. Zuma’s life was made possible through the generosity of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club in Rotary District 5280, demonstrating once again the power of international partnerships and compassionate giving.
Supporting Farmers and Strengthening Food Security
Water access is also essential for agriculture and food production.
In Cwebe Village, Elliotdale, 100 Hippo Rollers were distributed to local families and farmers through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Mbhashe Local Municipality, and Swim for Rivers.
The project is already helping reduce the burden of water collection while enabling small-scale farmers to improve food production and household resilience. By reducing the time spent fetching water, families gain more time for farming, education, economic participation, and community development.
Building Toward Long-Term Community Impact
The Unity Water Foundation‘s centenary project celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg Azalea has already delivered 36 Hippo Rollers to households in need.
Each Roller represents more than a water container. It reduces spinal strain, prevents water loss from damaged buckets, saves valuable time, and restores dignity to one of life’s most essential daily tasks.
While 36 families have already benefited, the goal is to reach 100 households, meaning many more families still stand to gain from this transformative initiative.
A Global Movement of Partnership and Hope
These stories span thousands of kilometres, from the Pacific Islands to Southern Africa, yet they share a common theme: collaboration.
None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication and support of countless individuals and organizations working together to improve water access and quality of life.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to:
• U.S. Department of State (US DoS),
• International Organization for Migration (IOM)
• Kwajalein Atoll Local Government
• Lugwasho Foundation Zambia
• His Royal Highness Chief Siachitema
• Unity Water Foundation
• Rotary Okavango
• Rotary Clubs of Longmont, Twin Peaks, Boulder, Pietermaritzburg Azalea, and Palos Verdes Peninsula
• Rotary Districts 5450 and 5280
• Midlands Hospice
• Department of Agriculture
• Mbhashe Local Municipality
• Swim for Rivers
• Stanton Goodenough
• Sarah van Heerden
• Jacintha Toohey
• Daniel Elroi
• Local community leaders, volunteers, donors, and supporters around the world
These are just some of the more recent supporters …
Together, these partnerships are proving that practical innovation, compassion, and community-driven action can create lasting change.
Every Hippo Roller distributed represents more than water.
It represents time returned to families.
It represents reduced physical strain.
It represents improved health and opportunity.
Most importantly, it represents hope rolling forward into communities that need it most.
