Chinese SOE Helps with Drinking Water Issue in Rwanda

China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), a subsidiary of China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP), has helped build 200 wells in the East Province, Rwanda. Equipped with a chlorination system, all wells can provide clean water for local residents to drink anytime.

Lacking clean drinking water can increase risks of getting infectious diseases such as acute diarrhea and cholera. According to the World Health Organization, infectious diarrhea is a main cause of death of children under five and the sources of infection are mainly dirty food and water.

A view of a solar power well at a primary and secondary school in the East Province of Rwanda on April 28 [Photo/Xinhua]

The issue has been a great concern in many regions of Rwanda.

The wells built by CGC are located in places with dense population, like markets and schools.

Chen Jinke, project manager, said that Rwanda is home to rich solar power, which is perfect for using solar-powered wells. Compared to the manual pump wells, the solar wells can provide a large number of villagers with stable and abundant drinking water.

Students at a primary and middle school in East Province, Rwanda, fetch water from the solar-powered well on April 28. [Photo/Xinhua]

A headteacher at a primary and secondary school in the East Province of Rwanda said that people used to have to hike a long distance to get clean water.

The new solar-powered wells relieved clean water shortage at the school and at the same time improved sanitary conditions.

Villagers in East Province, Rwanda, line up for water in front of a well on April 11. [Photo/Xinhua]

The headteacher also mentioned that in addition to providing domestic water for villagers, the well project also helps with irrigation, enabling agricultural activities all year round.

All 200 wells for water shortage in Rwanda had passed inspection and been delivered for operation by the end of April, benefiting 110,000 people.

Engineers inspect a well in East Province, Rwanda, on April 11. [Photo/Xinhua]

(Executive editor: Niu Yilin)