Coca-Cola reaches 6m people with water

The Coca-Cola Foundation ( TCCF) has said its Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) has impacted on the lives of six million people by providing access to clean water and sanitation in Africa, including Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Nigeria office on Thursday, it said over 4,000 communities in 41 African countries are beneficiaries of the projects.

The Foundation said the announcement and a virtual panel discussion were part of its celebration of the World Water Day marked on March 22.

Launched in 2009, the initiative is contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6).

“RAIN is a testament to the power of collective action,” said Bea Perez, Chair and President, TCCF.

“Working with our partners, RAIN’s transformative impact can be felt today in 4,000 African communities. This programme drives impact for the Sustainable Development Goals and our focus on People, Communities, and the Environment.”

The programme across the 41 countries, including Nigeria, has improved access to clean water for communities, schools, and clinics as well as enhanced access to hygiene and promoted better hygiene behaviours, while creating jobs, skills and entrepreneurship, the Foundation said.

Commenting, President for TCCF Africa operating unit, Bruno Pietracci, said: “The CocaCola Foundation is committed to working with communities and governments to enhance climate change adaptation and help address the challenges that urbanization creates for the delivery of clean water and sanitation throughout the continent.”