20by2020 improves water quality in Madagascar
ABU DHABI: To help tackle the prevailing challenge of access to potable water in remote communities of Madagascar, the Uae-driven humanitarian initiative; 20by2020, recently installed Safe Water Cub fountains across five rural areas of the East African country, with the aim of improving the quality of life for approximately 8,500 people on a daily basis.
The Safe Water Cube fountains are based on a filtration technology for surface waters, and were developed by the Agir Ensemble Association, a prominent France-based non-profit organisation and the 2019 Zayed Sustainability Prize finalist under the Water category. Four fountains have been installed in schools including St. Joseph
School in Antsirabe and schools in Vohitrarivo, Ambohijafy and Ambohijafy Talata Andraikiba that are also accessible to local village residents. In addition, a fountain has been setup for the patients and healthcare workers at a hospital in Andraikiba.
The non-profit’s five-step mobile ultrafiltration technology makes surface water drinkable (river, pond, well or brackish water) by removing viruses and bacteria that cause diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera and hepatitis, from up to 1,000 litres of water per hour with no energy or maintenance required, and no chemicals used.
In Madagascar, more than 58% of people lack access to safe drinking water and nearly half of all households live without sanitation facilities, according to international estimates.
Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a founding partner of the initiative said: “The 20by2020 deployment in Madagascar is a vital and life-improving project that serves to meet the essential water needs of numerous remote communities through innovative sustainable solutions, positively impacting their health and wellbeing.”
On his part, Vonjy Andriamanga, Madagascar’s former Minister of Energy, Water and Hydrocarbons said: “Enhancing the scope of water treatment solutions for rural areas has been a priority and key focus area for the Malagasy government on both a regional and national level as part of our commitment to reaching Sustainable Development Goals related to water, sanitation and hygiene. We firmly believe that the support of the 20by2020 initiative will complement our efforts in improving the quality of life for people in various remote parts of the country.
“We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the UAE’S leadership, the Zayed Sustainability Prize and the 20by2020 partners for commissioning these important, life changing solutions, and we look forward to working closely on other future sustainable projects.”