Chennai: Covestro (India) along with Good Life Trust, promoted by Waterlife India has inaugurated a new plant for Community Water System (CWS) which will provide safe drinking water in Sangolikuppam village, Cuddalore near SIPCOT where there has been a prolonged and prevalent concern over safe drinking water. Based on a survey conducted by Waterlife, villagers are taking recourse by purchasing drinking water in cans at prices ranging from Rs.20-Rs.40 for 20 litres and hence, have welcomed the proposed community drinking water project that would provide high quality, affordable drinking water at just Rs.7 for 20 litres. Inauguration of the plant took place on October 23rd 2018 in the presence of Michael Friede, Head – Coatings, Adhesives & Specialties, Covestro AG & Dr. Thomas Roemer, Head of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), Covestro Hong Kong Limited.
The plant has a capacity of 1000 litres per hour and can serve the entire population of this village. Waterlife India is the implementing partner and will undertake operations and maintenance of the plants for a period of ten years to ensure that the program remains sustainable and the community continues to enjoy the benefits in the long-term.
Speaking about how this plant will create better lives, Mr. Ajay Durrani, MD, Covestro (India) said, “Climatic changes, urbanization and industrialization causes water scarcity and pollution and this is a prolonged concern which has been widespread in Cuddalore. We view ourselves as part of society and public life; hence it is our constant endeavour to make a difference in the lives of our society members. We aim to provide healthier lives and thus enhance the social ecosystem of people in Cuddalore. Our partnership with Good Life Trust is just the first step towards providing a healthier life and this is our commitment for the next 10 years. We are confident that steps such as these will bring about a ripple effect in the community and make this world a brighter place.”
“With access to safe, clean drinking at all doorsteps, we will see a healthier India emerge leading to social change at many levels. Hence, we at Waterlife are seeking to build a stronger and more empowered nation drop by drop.” says Mr. Mohan Ranbaore, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director of Waterlife.
The Safe water program does not just impact the health parameters but given that it is so fundamental a need, it also impacts multiple other parameters like household expenses, productivity, educational outcomes, and many more. Hence through this Safe Drinking Water program addresses multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals – such as health, poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, economic growth and partnerships for sustainable communities. The initiative is in line with the objective of Covestro to contribute to the UN SDG goals.
Waterborne diseases have been hampering the development of future generations as drinking contaminated water results in stunted growth and absenteeism from school, amongst children. This project will have the greatest effect on children, giving them health and a good future. Additionally, a significant proportion of wages of rural men is lost in medical expenses. This project will drastically reduce medical expenses and increase wages and hence the economy of the village.
The program aims to provide very high-quality drinking water at a price that is affordable to all. Waterlife will provide total solutions to the drinking water quality problem and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the plant for 10 years through a unique model which will make the entire project sustainable.
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