Weco in the program “7 billion neighbors” – RFI – March 22, 2018
After participating in the International Water Congress of the African Water Association (AAE) in Bamako which took place from February 11 to 15, we were again asked to think about new methods of valuing water through our participation in the “7 billion neighbors” program. Whether domestic, industrial or agricultural, how to reconsider wastewater so that it becomes a resource and no longer a problem? How to treat and reuse wastewater? Alongside actors in the world of sanitation, Maxym Burel, engineer for WeCo had the opportunity to present our technology with closed circuit water recycling.
In Europe, 80% of wastewater is released into the environment without treatment.,
In Africa, this figure stands at 95%. According to the CNRS, a Malagasy consumes 10L of water per day while a French person uses an average of 137L of water per day for his personal needs. It was on these outlier figures that the show opened. The opportunity for the various stakeholders to take stock of progress and highlights on the use of water in the world. Mr Bazie, director of the NGO “Eaux Vives” informs us, for example, that in Ouagadougou only 10% of wastewater is treated for subsequent exploitation. Through his organization “Eaux Vives”, he really seeks to raise awareness on the international scene about the importance of this wastewater treatment.
The WeCo solution for wastewater treatment
It was also an opportunity for us to showcase our ecological flush public toilets which offer a perfect alternative to non-reused wastewater since they integrate a closed-circuit wastewater recycling system. What may make some smile is all the more shameful for others since in France the water contained in our flushes is of the same quality as that which comes out of our taps and which we consume on a daily basis. In order to contribute to the reduction of this inequality which gives developed countries access to drinking water for the evacuation of toilets while certain emerging countries such as Mali, Senegal or Niger are encountering difficulties in accessing water. drinking water, we are currently developing projects in these countries to enable local populations to benefit from decent and water-efficient sanitation facilities. This is in line with resolution n ° 6 of the United Nations sustainable development plan which aims to “guarantee access for all to water and sanitation and ensure sustainable management of water resources” . So we want to install 100 toilets in Niger, we are negotiating with Cameroonian decision-makers for an installation project and the same for Senegal. At the same time, in order to make people in developed countries aware of the water issue, we are participating in numerous calls for projects and very soon hope to adapt existing technology to European realities in order to be able to initiate the marketing process.
“Remember that one euro invests in sanitation, which is 5 euros in benefits for families in Africa because producing drinking water becomes easier and cheaper if the water is not discharged into rivers. “(Richard Connor)
Program available as a podcast on: http://www.rfi.fr/emission/20180322-eaux-usees-gaspillage