Community-based purification project at Reneilwe Primary School inaugurated on World Water Day
An American company, DuPont (NYSE:DD), donated a multi-technology water treatment plant that will provide safe, pure water to Reneilwe Primary School and the local community of Temba, Hammanskraal (north of Pretoria).
The area’s water sources are afflicted by high levels of nitrate and phosphate contaminants, making municipal water unsafe to drink. The new ultrafiltration membrane and ultraviolet light system removes impurities from groundwater pumped out of a new borehole and can supply up to 4,000 liters of healthy drinking water per hour, driven by solar power. A water kiosk has been built to dispense it to the local community and generate revenue for the school to operate the system sustainably. DuPont Water Solutions sponsored the project and partnered with Kusini Water, a South African NGO to get water flowing in just four months, as permission for the project was granted in October 2020
The U.S. Embassy in South Africa also collaborated on the project, helping to ensure five “water champions” from the community that have been receiving training from Kusini Water since November 2020 to autonomously operate and maintain the plant.
Kusini Water CEO Murendeni Mafumo said, “In South Africa, one out of three schools do not have access to safe water and clean sanitation, putting our school children at risk of serious sickness from waterborne diseases. We are delighted that the community of Temba is now one of over 50 sites in the country we have helped in our mission to provide five million people with five million liters of safe water in five years. Our thanks go to DuPont Water Solutions and the US Embassy for partnering on this vital community-led project.”
Today’s announcement coincides with recognizing World Water Day. “World Water Day is all about the vital importance of fresh water,” said Semano Sekatle, regional commercial manager, DuPont Sub-Saharan Africa. “We are delighted to be involved with such a beneficial project as this, which contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. With the right partnership approach, no one in this world need suffer from a lack of safe water, as effective and highly advanced technology is available that can be community-run.”
“I applaud Kusini Water and their partner DuPont Water Solutions, who are helping to ensure that access to clean water and sanitation are a priority and reality for communities that have had little to no access in the past,” said Frank Whitaker, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria.
About DuPont Water & Protection
DuPont Water and Protection is a global leader in creating water, shelter and safety solutions for a more sustainable world; enabling its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale and iconic brands including Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, Corian® Design, GreatStuff™, Styrofoam™, and FilmTec™.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.
About Kusini Water
Kusini Water is a social enterprise that builds water treatment systems from nanotechnology and macadamia nut shells. Our systems bring clean, safe drinking water to people in rural, peri-urban and informal settlements throughout the African continent.
About US Embassy Pretoria
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Pretoria works with the media, cultural and educational institutions, private organizations and other South African organizations to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the United States and South Africa. The Public Affairs Section informs and engages with the South African public through the dissemination of information about the United States, professional and academic exchange programs, cultural performances and exchanges, and youth programs.
