Unam Halam and Faith Claasen, who were classmates in high school and close friends, created the Drop Saver, which is causing a stir at the World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden.
Two high school students from Heatherlands High School in George, Western Cape, developed the Drop Saver.
It is a gadget that may be attached to a faucet to stop water leaks, helping communities save water in the process.
Co-inventor Unam is now vying for first place in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition, where youngsters between the ages of 15 and 20 submitted innovations based on water-based solutions.
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and 16-year-old Unam met for breakfast on Tuesday morning to discuss Unam’s vision for a South Africa with safe access to water.
The Western Cape province had the worst drought ever seen between 2016 and 2018. Water is a precious resource, and we must start using water-wise practices right now if we want to preserve its availability and supply over the long term, according to what this age has taught us.
Unam wants their technology to be used all over the country.
She wants to keep spreading awareness of the value of water conservation.
“I would want to see the Drop Saver used every day throughout the country.”
I want to take part in the idea’s execution and see it succeed. I’d like to see it implemented in local schools before spreading to neighboring towns, cities, and provinces. I am very passionate about this project and want to keep spreading the word about the importance of water conservation, said Unam.
She is asked to make minor adjustments as part of her participation in water conservation at her school and in her community.
Our students struggle with something as simple as turning off the water while brushing their teeth, but it can have a big impact.
We have seen how many students fill up on water from the faucet, then leave it open in the hopes that the person after them will shut it.
This led to a leaking faucet that caused hundreds of liters of water to be lost every day. She said, “This is how the Drop Saver was made.”
Halam had the Minister’s full attention as she spoke about the issue of water scarcity in various parts of the nation and offered thoughtful solutions.
The student has always had high ambitions, wanting to be either an engineer or an attorney.
Unam said, “Once I started working with technology in class and helping my dad with repairs and inventions at home, I knew I wanted to pursue an engineering profession.
Mchunu sent Unam his best wishes and assured him that he would back their plan.
“I consider you a winner since you’ve made it thus far. I am quite impressed with the creation, and I’m glad you don’t want it to sit around collecting dust without being used, Mchunu said Unam.
On Tuesday at Stockholm’s Norra Latin Hall, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize winner will be revealed. Mchunu and Director-General Dr. Sean Phillips will also be present for the event. – SAnews.gov.za
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