Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Project Maji host inauguration ceremony to celebrate successful provision of clean water in rural Kenya

London, 15 November 2023 - Ocean Network Express (ONE), a global container shipping company, joined forces with Project Maji, a non-profit safe water enterprise to launch a transformative water project providing sustainable access to safe drinking water. Representatives from both organizations and the local community celebrated the successful installation of the MajiPlus system at an inauguration ceremony held last week in Mwingi, Kitui County, Kenya. This follows on from the successful ONE sponsored Project Maji clean water system installed on the banks of the river Volta in Ghana in August.

Strategically located to serve as a vital resource hub for the Kenyan Ndoo community, the ONE funded MajiPlus system consists of a network of compact mini water kiosks with a 2500L storage tank powered by solar energy connecting to a previously disused government central borewell. This solution directly impacts the lives of over 2500 people by offering reliable access to affordable clean water. Previously, the majority of the community relied on an expensive, distant water source or they used unsafe river water which caused people to suffer from waterborne diseases.

The MajiPlus system has three water access points and further connections to the local market and primary and secondary schools. The school access points make a vital impact to students who previously had to bring their own water to school for preparing meals and cleaning the school. While parents often helped their children by delivering water on their behalf, some students would start their days by looking for and carrying water to school. With the new installation, students are much less likely to miss classes due to illness caused by contaminated water. They are also able to enhance their environment by planting trees and nurturing small gardens within the schools.

"We are so pleased to extend our partnership with Ocean Network Express to deserving communities in Kenya. With 771 million people without access to safe water, we are grateful for partners like ONE, who are keen to play their part," said Sunil Lalvani, Founder & CEO of Project Maji. "Together, we're writing a new chapter of hope, empowering communities and paving the way for a brighter future for all."

The inauguration ceremony was attended by local pupils, parents of the students, community leaders, members of the wider Ndoo community, representatives from ONE
Kenya and Project Maji and officials from county and national government. It marks the beginning of a sustained effort to provide reliable and safe water sources, paving the way for improved health, education, and economic opportunities for the people of rural Kenya.

"Today's commissioning ceremony is a testament to the incredible progress we can achieve
when organizations like ONE and Project Maji come together in pursuit of a common goal," remarked Christian Goetz, Country Head of ONE Kenya. "Our shared vision of clean water access for all is now a tangible reality for the communities we serve. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together."

This partnership signifies ONE’s commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa, with their established offices in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Engaging with local communities, ONE reinforces its dedication to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, making a lasting impact beyond its business operations.

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About Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd.

Launched on April 1, 2018, Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd. is the regional headquarters and a subsidiary of Ocean Network Express (ONE), headquartered in Singapore.

About Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Ocean Network Express (ONE) was incepted on July 7, 2017, following the liner service integrations of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK). The new entity functions from its global headquarter in Singapore, supported by regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and Brazil. Operating more than 210 vessels, it offers an expeditious and a reliable international network of over 170 services to 120 countries and beyond. ONE is the world’s sixth largest container carrier with a fleet size of approximately 1.69 million TEU. ONE is a member of THE Alliance (THEA), a global ocean carrier consortium. For more information, please visit https://www.one-line.com/

About Project Maji

Project Maji is a non-profit safe water enterprise, working to provide sustainable access to safe water to rural communities and growth centres in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. We design, deploy, and maintain solar-powered water solutions. Till date, we have deployed 180+ solar-powered water points across communities in rural Ghana, Kenya and Uganda serving over 250,000 people. A registered NGO in Ghana and UAE, and an official member of the International Humanitarian City in Dubai, Project Maji is on a mission to serve 1 million people with clean water by the year 2025.

For more information, please visit www.projectmaji.org