Support for Engineers Without Borders to Unlock Local Funding and Build Capacity in Critical Infrastructure Projects
We’re excited to announce that global technology company Trimble is expanding its collaboration and partnership with the global Engineers Without Borders network to support engineering solutions that address critical infrastructure needs in vulnerable communities. This collaboration is a significant addition to Trimble’s existing support to Engineers Without Borders by providing a substantial monetary donation, essential hardware, software and specialised training expertise for international projects.
Trimble has been a long-term supporter of EWB’s mission in the US by providing technology donations for student chapters, financial grants for disaster relief and climate resiliency projects through its Trimble Foundation Fund, and championing STEM education initiatives. Now, the company is expanding its support to the international stage.
The collaboration’s first initiative is focused on an 18-month critical infrastructure project in Eastern Uganda with EWB East Africa, focused on a unique challenge: unlocking available local government funds.
In the region, up to 70% of the population lacks access to basic necessities such as safe water, quality sanitation, reliable energy and education facilities. While local funds exist to address these issues, district parishes currently cannot access the necessities due to limited data, tools and engineering capacity.
Integrated Technology and Community Engagement
The project in Uganda aims to positively impact the lives of people in the community, beginning immediately with three distinct phases. In the first phase, technical baseline surveys and infrastructure mapping will be conducted using GIS software, drone technology, and Trimble solutions. Additionally, 40 local youth enumerators will be recruited and trained to carry out a comprehensive population census, providing critical data for planning and decision-making.
The second phase will focus on feasibility and technical audits, as well as co-design workshops with community leaders and a ‘Buildathon’ bringing together EWB volunteers, Trimble and Trimble customer teams, and local partners to produce the infrastructure masterplans and roadmaps. The third phase involves financial modelling to attract both commercial and public-private investment, ensuring that the solutions developed are viable, sustainable, and aligned with community needs. At the completion of these first three phases, the proposals will be pitched to secure the funds for implementation of the community-driven solutions.
About Trimble
Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it’s helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble, visit: www.trimble.com.
About the Engineers Without Borders network
Engineers Without Borders leverage engineering skills and expertise towards ensuring a safe and just future for all within the sustainable limits of our planet, in particular to support those that are most vulnerable in society. Established approximately 40 years ago, the global Engineers Without Borders network spans more than 50 EWB organisations across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, North, South and Central America, and is coordinated by EWB International. Visit www.ewb-international.org.