Villagers from Indigenous communities are mostly dependent on rain water and the
use of water from the nearby rivers. The use of river water is accompanied by serious
health hazards. In Suriname, approximately 60,000 kilograms of mercury is released
into the environment every year. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that is used by
thousands of gold miners who operate in large parts of the country.
The mercury ends up in the water streams which leads to serious contamination.
This leaves Indigenous communities at risk of developing serious health issues.
Mulokot is working on a sustainable way to provide clean drinking water for the
nine Wayana villages Kawemhakan, Apetina, Lensidede, Kumakhapan
Palumeu, Tutu Kampu, Akani Kampu, Halala Kampu and High Five Kampu.
The system consists of a water purification system and a water distribution network
where water is extracted from the nearby rivers. The water is then transported
through a filtering system to remove heavy metals such as the Mercury.
Here after, the water is transported to a central water tower in order to gain a certain
pressure so that the entire village can access the purified water.
Financial aid for this project is provided by the Caribbean Development Bank.
The execution of the project is a joint effort between the Mulokot Foundation and the
Basic Needs Trust Fund of the Surinamese Ministry of Finance and Planning.
The implementation of the system in the first village will take place
at the end of 2022.
In the list of Sustainable development Goals, clean water and sanitation is the
sixth goal. Due to the effects of climate change more and more countries are
experiencing water stress. Safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030
requires we invest in adequate infrastructure, provide sanitation facilities, and
encourage hygiene. Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems is
essential. Thus, Mulokot is committed to do our part in ensuring safe drinking
water for our community
