The SFA Group signs an agreement to finance access to drinking water for 1,800 people in Cambodia

The SFA Group, which has been committed to humanitarian causes since 2011 as part of various World Water Days (Water, Toilet and Sanitation Days) to promote access to drinking water for all, is renewing its partnership with the Planet Water Foundation in 2024.

The Planet Water Foundation

The Planet Water Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water to the world's most disadvantaged communities through the installation of community water filtration systems while developing hygiene education programs. Since its foundation in 2009, the organization has provided access to clean drinking water to almost 4 million people in 28 countries.

For 2024, the SFA Group has donated 10,000 euros which, together with a private foundation for the same amount, has enabled the construction of an AquaTower at Hun Sen Run Taek Primary School in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.

An investment that ensures access to safe drinking water, as a filter system removes bacteria, fungi and other impurities down to a size of 0.01 microns. The production of 1000 Liters per hour corresponds to the daily needs of around 1800 people. The sustainability of the project should also be emphasized, which, in addition to monitoring the maintenance of the systems over a period of four years by Planet Water (10 visits in four years with technical support, supply of spare parts, additional training), also provides for long-term measurement of system performance using predefined indicators, water quality tests and, if necessary, corrective measures in a closed cycle.

Traditionally, the installation is combined with hygiene education programmes for both the local community and the 838 pupils of the Hun Sen Run Taek Primary School, who have each received a reusable stainless-steel cup. The donation will also fund a surface disinfection system for the school.

March 22, World Water Day

Since 1993, at the initiative of the United Nations, World Water Day has been celebrated on March 22, raising awareness of the health implications of water management. Today, more than 2.2 billion people around the world still have no access to drinking water or sanitation, and around half the world's population faces a severe water shortage for at least part of the year (IPCC 2022). The theme of World Water Day 2024 is "Water for Peace". 

Hing Him, Age: 36, Occupation: The Principal of Hun Sen Run Taek School

I’m really glad and proud to have the AquaTower installed in our school today. This allows all of us here to have access to clean and safe drinking water. Many people -  the students, teachers and the villagers will benefit from this project. In the past, we had challenges with safe water access with students and teachers having to purchase bottled water, and many drank untreated water. Thank you for also providing us with the latrine disinfection system and drinking cups for everyone here, thank you so much for your generosity.

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Yong Thiny, Age: 13, Occupation: Grade 5 Student

I'm happy today because for the first time, my school has clean drinking water for everyone. I no longer need to worry about drinking water issues as we now have this water filtration system which gives me and my friends all the drinking water we need. I would like to say thank you so much for bringing this clean and safe drinking water project to our school.