The University of the South Pacific, in partnership with the Technische Universität Berlin, celebrated the successful implementation of the AQUA Cube as part of the VINETA project at Laucala Campus, Fiji.
Coordinated by USP’s School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP), the revolutionary low-pressure membrane filtration system from Martin System in Germany now provides clean, filtered drinking water to Naimasimasi Village and the USP Laucala Campus.
Dr Andreas Prothmann, the German High Commissioner and Chief Guest at the celebration on 15 October 2024, emphasised the critical importance of clean water access as a fundamental right.
“The VINETA project showcases how innovative collaboration can lead to meaningful solutions that empower communities across the Pacific,” he stated.
He highlighted the project’s role in addressing public health challenges, particularly in regions facing significant obstacles in securing safe water.
STEMP Head of School, Professor Bibhya Sharma also shared his insights on the project’s significance.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the German Federal Ministry for the Environment for their invaluable support,” said Professor Sharma.
“This partnership is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common goal—ensuring access to clean drinking water for all.”
Chair of Environmental Process Engineering from the Technische Universität Berlin, Professor Dr Sven-Uwe Geissen said, “We need to collaborate globally to ensure access to safe water and sanitation”.
“I was truly impressed and grateful to Professor Bibhya and the team. At the project’s outset, the outreach was unclear, but the team conducted evaluations on the island and within the community. I was amazed to learn about the impactful work being done.”
He reiterated that he is open to water-related projects and future collaborations. Professor Geissen was accompanied by the TU Berlin Research Associate, Norman Schweimanns.
The success of VINETA aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
The project highlights the necessity of investing in innovative, low-cost filtration systems to secure safe drinking water in vulnerable regions.
As the event unfolded, attendees—including members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and academic collaborators—engaged in discussions about the future expansion of the AQUA Cube to other USP campuses and countries in the Pacific.
Professor Sharma noted the importance of collaboration with local communities and global partners to enhance water quality and accessibility.
The University of the South Pacific looks forward to future collaborations and innovations that will continue to improve livelihoods across the Pacific.
This emphasises our commitment to advancing research and development that addresses critical issues in the Pacific.
For more pictures: https://www.usp.ac.fj/usp-stemp/vineta_project/
