The International Desalination Association (IDA) reports that its Desalination Industry Action for Good conference has raised US$ 120,000 to help alleviate water shortages for residents of Ankililoaka, Madagascar.
IDA’s contribution of US$ 60,000 to this humanitarian project was matched by Rotary International, which supported the conference. Held in May in Portofino, Italy, this event was the first dedicated solely to the topic of desalination and social responsibility.
Ankililoaka is home to 100,000 people, approximately half of whom are children. Currently, these people have access to only one well for every 1,800 inhabitants. Many of these wells are dug by hand. With the funds donated by IDA and Rotary, at least 20 new wells will be dug over the next two years.
In addition, the project will reactivate existing wells that are no longer operational. This will significantly improve residents’ access to drinking water in the area by providing one well for every 500 inhabitants.
“Inspiration turned into action when Rotary International approached IDA to help to raise funds for the Ankililoaka water project through this conference. All of us at IDA are pleased to lend our support to this important project. It is our fervent hope that this conference will help create a wave of action that benefits humanity in all corners of the globe,” noted Dr Corrado Sommariva, co-chairman of the conference.
As a result of these discussions, IDA has formed a Humanitarian Outreach Committee. An article by Sommariva on the implications of the event can be found in the August/September issue of D&WR.