In Central Africa, in Kenya, in the Kakamega Province and even more so in the Intangalasia settlement, its inhabitants suffer from permanent illnesses such as bronchial infections, typhoid, etc. due to the fact that they do not have the financial means and access to clean water.
For these people, maybe we can secure them.« . ...some drinking water please. . .» a day to drink and cook, maybe even wash without getting sick?;
The problem of the people of Intangalasia was brought to our attention by Professor Francis Orata Omoto (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology - Kenya) during a discussion among the participating Universities in the UNAI SDG7 Hub - Energy Community on the «2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development».
An agreement that includes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and which has been signed and ratified by all UN member countries, including Greece, of course.
An agreement that in its founding text the co-signatories declare that «...We pledge that no one will be left behind...» in humanity's common effort to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
A formulation that applies to vulnerable groups in developed and especially underdeveloped and developing countries.
In this context, Prof. Francis Orata Omoto cited the case of the Intangalasia settlement, providing detailed data according to which a sum of €24,000 would allow, with the installation of photovoltaic panels, the pumping and transport of 160 litres of clean water for 4 hours a day to each of the 100 households of the settlement.
At the beginning of July the 109th Rectors« Meeting of the 24 universities of the country took place. In a letter to the Honorable Rector of the Panteion University, which is also a member of UNAI, I proposed the symbolic participation of Greek universities in the efforts to implement the »2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development« by raising €24,000 for the 100 households of Intangalasia, which would correspond to €1000 euros per HEI.
Preoccupied with the «really serious» and complex issues of the Synod, the honorable Rector did not see fit to deal with this issue «...and rightly so insignificant thing she did not deign to note...».
Other things seemed to be important, «...Let the table begin. Slaves to the flutes, the fireworks...» to honor the District Governor and the other golden sponsors... the children of Intangalasia who drink contaminated water will be dealt with... .
Perhaps at a future session. ...maybe another presidency, ...maybe another rector will have a different approach, maybe... . .
Nevertheless, and because as a country and society we have signed the ’2030 Agenda“ in which we agree that «...We pledge that no one will be left behind...», in the private sector, an organization called “Quality Net Foundation” announced «50 leading companies that are models of Sustainable Development in our country» that could provide €24,000 for these 160 liters of clean water per day to 100 families in Intangalasia.
The problem is that no one can contact them. Despite the proclamations, the communication with the president Mr. H.E., the General Secretary of the Hellenic Banking Association Mr. H.A., the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce Mr. S.K.E., the President of the Executive Committee of SEV Mr. E.V. or even with the person responsible for providing more information Mr. M. is simply impossible.
They can certainly be rewarded for being «leaders» in achieving profitability targets, but not for participating in global efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, if they do not support vulnerable groups, especially in countries with underdeveloped and developing economies.
But because this may be a horrible misunderstanding, if any executive in one of these «50 leading companies» is informed and wishes to donate this €24,000, please contact us at unai.hub.sdg7@kepa.uoa.gr .
The request is: €24.000 for «...some drinking water please...» to 100 families in the settlement of Intangalasia, in Kakamega province, Kenya. Is anyone listening?;
Dimitrios Mavrakis
