Limpopo scoops the Stockholm trip yet again
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) recently held the South African Youth Water Prize Competition (SYWPC) and Grade 10 learners from Mitlhari High school in Limpopo scooped this year’s number one spot making them the second group of winners to come from the Province after last year’s Taxila Secondary School.
Hlengi Makumbila, Camilla Mashele and Nhlonipho Nukeri from Mitlhari High School will represent South Africa on a global platform during the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition to be held at the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in Sweden later this year.
This after their innovative water conservation project came out tops after an intense but fascinating competition with learners from other provinces.
The project is comprised of the use of cell phone technology and a sensor to control the levels and flow of water from reservoirs. The process includes either calling one or two cell phones from a distance to open and close the flow, sending a call-back message to open or close and setting an alarm to both cell phones to open and close at a specific time. The process can be done manually and automatically which saves time and labour costs. Most importantly it minimises the water wastages caused by overflows by stopping the water once it has reached a required level.
In addition to the Stockholm trip, the learners each won themselves a bursary from the Department of Water and Sanitation to study for a water and sanitation related qualification in a higher education institution of their choice, a laptop and some cash prize.
The Department of Water and Sanitation conducts the SYWPC each year to involve younger people in the solution finding processes for better water demand management and stimulate their interest towards following water and sanitation related careers.
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