Rural water supply is often a problem in parts of Africa because the water is not where it is needed and running the pumps requires vast amounts of energy, energy that is not available. But it also works without electricity: As early as 1797, the patent for a hydraulic drive pump, the hydraulic cylinder or “hydraulic ram”, was granted in France.

A hydraulic ram uses a so-called water hammer to pump out part of the water with which it is driven. This technique almost fell into oblivion as more and more electric water pumps were used from the mid-20th century. Nevertheless, hydraulic cylinders are still used today in agriculture or in remote mountain huts "without electricity" and sometimes continuously for more than 100 years. One of the invaluable advantages of the hydraulic cylinder is that it is reliable and virtually maintenance-free for decades.

In cooperation with its partner, Rwenzori e.V., the GAUFF Foundation implements various projects in western Uganda with the aim of developing the region and helping people to help themselves. With this in mind, the association plans to install and commission a pilot plant with two hydraulic rams in the Rwenzori region with our help. If this system proves its worth, further hydraulic rams will follow in the medium term in order to improve the water supply of the region's population in the long term. Thanks to modern hydraulic rams, up to 15,000 liters of water per day can be distributed over several hundred meters.

The GAUFF Foundation supports this pilot project with €10,000 - for the purchase, transport and installation of two hydraulic cylinders. As a result, this old, but proven and practically indestructible technology will not only experience a renaissance, but also improve the water supply for the inhabitants of the Rwenzori region in the long term.

More information about the project can be found in the documentation "Der Weg zum Wasser - Einsatz für den hydraulischen Widder in Uganda"