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Published on: 15/01/2014

The winner of the first Sarphati Santation Award is Sanergy, which won for its creation of 242 sanitation facilities built in the past two years by 130 local entrepreneurs from Nairobi's slums, who earn US$ 2,000 per year in income for their families while providing hygienic sanitation to 10,000+ residents.

The Mayor of Amsterdam awarded a cash prize of € 50,000  (US$  67,000) and a statue by famous artist Marte Röling to Becky Auerbach from Sanergy during the International Water Week (IWW) in Amsterdam. IDE Cambodia and Mr. Toilet, Jack Sim were the runners-up.

The three nominees all provide remarkable sustainable business solutions “turning shit into gold”. They have shown that it is very well possible to address sanitation and public health issues in developing countries while making a profit. 

The Sarphati Sanitation Award is an initiative of the Municipality of Amsterdam, Aqua for All and the Netherlands Water Partnership, and is endorsed by the Dutch Government. The award is inspired by Dr Samuel Sarphati (1813–1866), general practitioner and town planner in Amsterdam in the mid-19th century. His various entrepreneurial sanitation projects helped to eradicate cholera from Amsterdam before the end of the 19th century.

Watch the video of the award ceremony, and for more information about IWW please see the link below.

 

 

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