The purifiers use special filters that absorb not only arsenic molecules, but also harmful microbe organisms and other inorganic matter. (image: KEITI)
SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – The Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) delivered 300 home arsenic water purifiers to the city of Vũng Tàu in southern Vietnam on January 17.
The project was undertaken under a scheme of disseminating equipment developed and improved by Korean SMEs to be suitable for local use throughout Asian countries.
People in the Vũng Tàu region are limited to using water with high arsenic concentrations for their everyday use due to prevailing geology and poor sanitation, creating a large regional need for water purifiers.
The delivered purifiers were modified to align with local needs. They do not run on electricity, since many homes in the region do not have reliable sources of electrical power. The purifiers use special filters that absorb not only arsenic molecules, but also harmful microbe organisms and other inorganic matter. The purifiers are also designed to be easily maintained.
Kim Yong-joo, president of the KEITI, said that the project would not end with a one-off charity event. He said that the institute has committed itself to improving access to clean water in Asia, and would establish a long term maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) program for the equipment delivered through the project.
The KEITI is currently conducting similar kinds of projects in the Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia. The delivery of equipment to Vietnam is the first fruition of the project.
In February, the KEITI will complete a rainwater purifying facility for residents of the city of Iloilo, in the Philippines, which was affected by the super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. In March, the KEITI is due to complete water supply facilities in Cambodia and industrial and livestock waste water disposal facilities in Indonesia.
By J. W. Choi (summerchoi@koreabizwire.com)
