Jovan Evans Providing Solutions for Persons Without Piped Water

Innovator Jovan Evans, through his company, AquaFlow Products and Services Limited, is providing solutions for persons who do not have consistent access to running water, particularly in western parishes that have been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

His Pump-N-Spray product, for which he won a National Innovation Award in 2014, allows users to carry out water-dependent tasks in the absence of running water like taking a shower and washing hands.

It converts a four-gallon or five-gallon water bottle into a portable shower that provides the same pressure as a regular indoor shower.

With the Pump-N-Spray, no longer do persons need to resort to the old-fashioned bath pan.

“We have the manual one and recently we have gone electric,” he tells JIS News

The company also provides water dispensers for drinking and washing hands that are ideal for persons who do roadside vending or stage outdoor events.

By flipping the spigot, they will have clean, running water at their disposal.

“When the health inspector comes to visit your business, you will have less problems,” Mr. Evans says.

He noted that the solutions are easy to use and are compartmentalised.

“For example, if the spigot on the bottle is not working, no need to replace the entire thing. Just replace the broken piece,” he points out.

Mr. Evans notes that there has been a rise in sales since Hurricane Melissa, noting that several donors have incorporated the five-gallon bucket dispensers into their care packages for Melissa relief.

“The response has been tremendous. The beneficiaries love it. It’s a gift that keeps on giving,” Mr. Evans says.

He noted that the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has been a long-standing partner.

“Retailers are reluctant to stock our products because of their bulky nature; this is one of the constraints of the business, so working with an agency like JSIF is a blessing,” Mr. Evans tells JIS News.

“However, we have not given up. We are endeavouring to get some retailers to see the value in stocking our products on their shelves, especially in Melissa-impacted areas,” he points out.

Mr. Evans says he was honoured to have been recognised with the innovation award for his Pump-N-Spray.

A collaboration between the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), the

National Innovation Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of local inventors and innovators.

Mr. Evens was recognised in the Agriculture, Food and Agro-Processing and Environmental Sustainability categories.

“It’s good to know that others are appreciative of my efforts. This is my passion –to bring convenience into people’s lives,” he shares.