Solvatten AB will, in co-operation with the Institute of Environment and Water, a Kenyan-based charitable trust, provide an innovative household water treatment technology in Africa’s largest slum.  The project, in Kibera, Nairobi, will secure safe drinking water for 13,000 residents.  In addition greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced and the quality of life and economic status of the residents, especially the women, will be significantly improved.

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events in East Africa.  Low income urban settlements are particularly vulnerable to the impact because of poor water infrastructure and inadequate sanitation.  The result is increased incidence of gastrointestinal and diarrheal infections from contaminated water, especially during the floods and droughts. The project’s primary goal is to build local adaptive capacity for households to cope with the impacts of climate change on water quality.

The project will utilize Solvatten’s innovative yet simple solution which harnesses solar energy to heat and treat water.

The Nordic Climate Facility (NCF) promotes technological innovations and know-how partnerships on climate change in areas susceptible to climate change such as energy, transport, water and sanitation, health, agriculture, and forestry. Once a year, NCF calls for innovative proposals for specific climate change themes. The first call for proposals launched in 2009 focused on water resources and energy efficiency and attracted 138 applications. The second call will be launched in October 2010. Financing can be granted to Nordic institutions, organizations, companies, and authorities which have established cooperation with a partner in low-income countries.