Dr. Askwar Hilonga is the Tanzanian scientist behind a new water filtration system that is affordable and promises to save lives. We had an opportunity to ask him five questions about his innovation and his vision for the future. Here is what Dr. Hilonga said.
1. We face many challenges in East Africa. Why is water your priority?
Water is a priority because water is life! Unfortunately more than 800 million people in the world still lack clean and safe water even in this 21st Century. Millions of people still die due to waterborne diseases. There is a statistic that says a child dies somewhere in the world in every 20 seconds due to waterborne diseases; in Tanzania alone it goes to 7,000 children every year. This is about 19 children every day.
Put it this way, suppose TBC1 broadcasts every evening at 8pm news that 19 children are killed [by terrorist groups] in Tanzania. How will the world respond on this? Why the same reaction is not directed to the same number of deaths due to waterborne diseases? Or because it is due to a silent killer?
Let’s think again!
2. Please share as many practical details as possible about the Nanofilter: How exactly does it work?
Details about Nanofilter are clearly presented on the World Intellectual Property Organization website.
Here is an extract:
“My patented filtration system combines a slow sand filter with a combination of nanomaterials made from sodium silicate and silver to eliminate toxic heavy metals. Water first passes through the sand and then through the nanomaterials. Whereas other water filters on the market offer a “one-size-fits–all” solution, the Nanofilter® can be calibrated to target and eliminate contaminants that are specific to a particular geographic region.”
3. You emphasise that science is a key to sustainable development: What is your opinion on the arts or culture?
Everything has its part to play. I am just overemphasising science because it is somehow neglected while it could transform our lives within our generation. The whole community must join hands to encourage the upcoming generation to effectively utilize science and technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship as the way forward. We need to inspire and support the young people to take this path.
4. How do you recommend young people to pursue engineering – is it a thing left to learn in school, or can we pick it up on our own?
I am determined to be a role model to young people who are pursuing science and engineering. I have clearly demonstrated how we can benefit our community by using what we learnt in classrooms. It should not end-up in the university shelf or library.
5. What are you chasing over the next 10 years and how can young East Africans get involved?
I am in the final stages of establishing an Inspire & Empower Enterprise Training Centre in Arusha. I encourage young people to keep their ears and eyes open; I am determined to Inspire and Empower millions of youth online and offline!
Keep connected!
Thank you Dr. Askwar Hilonga for your time and efforts! We look forward to staying in touch with your innovations in the future. All images shown here are courtesy of wipo.int.
