Grand Prize 2009 (100 000 €)
In 2009, for its first edition, the Grand Prize was awarded to a technological innovation developped by the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), located in Ouagadougou in Burkina-Faso.
PDCs ("Postes de Distribution Collective" or "Collective Water Supply Stations") are supply points for running water located in a public area and comprising several taps fitted with individual meters. Alternative to private connections and street fountains, this project aims to improve and provide fairer access to water for poor urban populations in Africa. The project has been implemented since 2000 in several secondary towns in Burkina Faso and Mali and has achieved very good results.
Grand Prize will be used by 2iE to implement PDCs in other urban areas, to spread and to popularize this technology, and to conduct other research projects on water and sanitation.
« I am very proud and the the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering very honored by the awarding of the Grand Prize 2009. I would like to congratulate the SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Water for all Foundation for having launched an international competition which encourages and awards research in favor of the human development, particularly for the improvement of access to water for the poorest people ».
Amadou HAMA MAIGA
Head of the laureate team
2iE Deputy Director General
Watch the video on the Grand Prize project.
Visit the website of the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE).
