Engineers Without Borders Sweden and Chile Partner to Provide Water Treatment Solutions in Valparaíso
/Stockholm, Sweden – In an important international collaboration, Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) has initiated a collaboration with Ingeniería Sin Fronteras Chile (ISF Chile) to initiate a wastewater treatment project for the vulnerable communities of Valparaíso, Chile. This partnership focuses on the development of new water treatment plants specifically designed for areas that lack official sewage and water regulation.
Caroline Edelstam, Secretary-General of Engineers Without Borders Sweden and Tucapel Jiménez Fuentes, Chile's ambassador to Sweden, AT Chile’s Embassy in Sweden.
"This project is important because it can lead to positive changes in people's daily lives. We look forward to the results of the pilot project on access to water and water security, and hope that the exchange of knowledge between our countries can show the way and be a driving force for future larger collaborations, with the goal of creating sustainable communities. We already have good relations between our countries, and I am sure that this form of knowledge exchange will further strengthen our ties," says Tucapel Jiménez Fuentes, Chile's ambassador to Sweden.
The project is set in Camp Parcela 11, located in the Forestal sector of Viña del Mar. This area, home to nearly 1,500 residents, is marked by geographical and infrastructural challenges that exacerbate its isolation and environmental issues. The primary concern addressed by this initiative is the effective management and treatment of greywater, with most homes currently relying on cesspools that pose significant risks of overflow and subsequent contamination with the risk of diseases spreading.
"Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet many communities are left behind in our global efforts to provide sustainable water solutions. This project represents a significant step towards changing that narrative in Valparaíso, where we can implement practical solutions and make a tangible difference," said Caroline Edelstam, Secretary-General of Engineers Without Borders Sweden.
By focusing on the diversion of grey- and rainwater to environmentally safer discharge points, the project aims to mitigate the environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Camp Parcela 11. The collaboration between EWB-SWE and ISF Chile exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing critical human needs through engineering solutions to achieve the global sustainability goals.
The project has been made possible through funding from the Ramboll Foundation.
For more information about this project and other initiatives by Engineers Without Borders Sweden, please contact Carin Balfe Arbman at the details provided above.
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About Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE)
Engineers Without Borders Sweden is committed to addressing global challenges through engineering. We work towards a sustainable future where engineering enables underprivileged communities to meet their basic human needs. EWB-SWE actively engages in projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, striving for long-term impact in communities around the world. www.ewb-swe.org
About Ingeniería Sin Fronteras Chile (ISF Chile)
Ingeniería Sin Fronteras Chile (ISF Chile) is a foundation established in 2017, focused on enhancing the social role of engineering to improve community living standards in vulnerable contexts. ISF Chile mobilizes engineering talent across diverse disciplines, collaborating on impactful projects with universities, companies, and local governments. The foundation is an active participant in the global Engineers Without Borders network. https://isf-chile.org/
