EVCM donates PVC pipes in Zanzibar

EVCM (the trade association of the European PVC plastic producers) have donated PVC pipes and technical expertise for a new waste water system on Pemba Island in Zanzibar. The project is designed to improve the quality of life for local residents, minimize the environmental impact of waste water on the marine ecology and sustain the local economy. Fishermen in Chake Chake, the main commercial area of Pemba, have seen significant decline in fish catches over the recent years caused by waste water discharge into the sea. The elongated natural drainage channels in some wards of Chake Town, which serve 650 households and carry away storm and waste waters, are interrupted by unplanned settlements. This has a big impact on the efficiency of the waste water system. Additionally, many septic tanks and soak pits are old and leaking, causing pollution and health risks for the local communities. To takle these problems, a brand new sewage system with a sub-surface flow constructed wetland, was built to serve such wards. EVCM, which supported the World Water Day 2010 held every year on March 22, donated 80,000 euros worth of PVC piping totaling a length of 12.1 km, as well as 590 inspection chambers. The benefit of donations in kind, such as the PVC pipes generate the structural and logistical conditions from which local communities can benefit. This includes creating employment.