NGO Safe Water Network as part of their Water Knowledge Resource Center (WKRC) initiative with USAID and in partnership with Drinkwell Systems inaugurated solar operated water ATM at deputy commissioner’s office in Amingaon in Kamrup district of Assam.
The inauguration marks 15th WKRC launch in 2020 under the Sustainable Enterprises for Water and Health (SEWAH) project across the country that is focused on expansion of decentralized safe drinking water to urban underserved population.
The water ATM is funded by Assam PHED and set up by Drinkwell Systems. The solar operated water ATM removes arsenic, fluoride and iron from source water using Drinkwell System’s patented technology which prevents reject water generation.
The water ATM is located at the DC office campus in Kamrup that provides access to the neighboring people in marginalized habitation.
“The water ATM will benefit more than 600 households along with other government offices and industries situated near the premises,” stated a press statement.
Commenting on the launch, sub-divisional officer at PHED, Mukut Barman said: “We are very pleased about this partnership with Drinkwell Systems for constructing the water ATM in our area. It is a new concept and will definitely provide better access to safe water to our communities. With the success of this plant, our department will implement similar projects in the future.”
Anand Rudra, senior advisor at WASH, USAID said: “We have a vision that every citizen of the country should have access to safe drinking water. With an able partner like Safe Water Network, we have been to implement such initiatives in India for the most needed communities. It is pleasing to see people who for years struggled under the drudgery of collecting water are now an equal partner in providing safe drinking water to their families while ensuring financial security for themselves.”
Speaking on the occasion, Poonam Sewak, vice president – knowledge & partnerships at Safe Water Network India said: “When safe drinking water availability is coupled with knowledge of WASH, particularly hand wash and good sanitation practices amongst communities the water borne diseases exponentially lower. WASH education specially during the COVID-19 pandemic helps bring down disease spreading.”
CEO and co-founder at Drinkwell Systems, Minhaj Chowdhury said: “We are excited about the SEWAH opportunity and would be expanding this initiative at our existing water ATMs in India and Bangladesh. This collaboration with SEWAH has helped us gain access to knowledge products, process and methodology of community information, education and communication campaigns. SWE Alliance is a great ecosystem and platform for cross learning and networking.”
