Students scoop water award
Mosidi Mohlakela and Edwin Tshivhidzo
24 August 2005
Three South African students were awarded the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize at a ceremony in Sweden on Tuesday.
The students, Pontso Moletsane, Motobele Motshodi and Sechaba Ramabenyane - all from Setjhaba Se Maketse Combined School in Bloemfontein in the Free State - received the prize from HRH Crown Princess Victoria on behalf of the Stockholm Water Foundation.
The three won after developing a low-current electric soil humidity sensor which uses light detection to control water pipe valves and improve irrigation efficiency. By automating irrigation so that it occurs mainly at night, less water is lost to evaporation.
Their invention, called the "Nocturnal Hydro Minimiser," is technically simple and inexpensive to produce. It enables communities to use limited water resources more efficiently and to improve food production.
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is presented each year to a high-school age student(s) for an
outstanding water-related project focusing on topics of environmental, scientific, social or technological importance.
This is the second time in three years that South Africa has won the prize. In 2003 Johannesburg schoolgirl Claire Reid won for her concept of water wise reel gardening.
The students, competing against learners from 26 countries, received a US$5 000 scholarship and a crystal trophy.
Sechaba se Maketse Principal Mmakhoali Maibi Sechaba said it was rewarding not only for the school, but also for the community, to win the competition. The three learners hope to share their experiences with their community on their return.
Two of the winners, Motshodi and Moletsane, have been overseas before, taking part in a United Nations debate on HIV/Aids.
Source: BuaNews
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