RecyH2O

Access to drinking water and adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities are among the global challenges (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation). The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is considered an economic locomotive in Francophone West Africa and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. However, the transition from a developing country to an emerging economy requires making progress in areas such as industry, health and sanitation. The Ivorian government has therefore initiated various projects in the water and sanitation sector in recent years to catch up with existing backlogs. The needs in this area are considerable and offer opportunities for companies that provide suitable solutions to local environmental problems.

The objective of this project was to determine and evaluate the potential of an innovative anaerobic water treatment technology for use in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire through a feasibility study. The use of the technology can enable energy and cost efficient wastewater treatment in the country.

The feasibility study identified potentials or risks for the introduction of a sustainable and innovative solution to wastewater problems in Côte d'Ivoire. In addition, interested parties gained practical insights into the technology and learned about its advantages and benefits for the environment and people's health. It also aimed to raise awareness among people in the target region about the environmental and health problems caused by untreated wastewater and to inform them about the possibility of treating and reusing wastewater. Treated wastewater could also be reused either in agriculture or industry. The discharge of treated wastewater into the environment should also improve the sanitary environment of the people in the target country.

The project not only contributes to optimized wastewater management, but also reduces the high water demand in Côte d'Ivoire by saving the amount of water that has been uniquely used in industries and agriculture.