Veolia Water Technologies by GineersNow Engineering Magazine GineersNow Engineering Magazine September 2016 | Page 61

in the field of agriculture and disaster adaptation. THE CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS GN: What are the greatest challenges in the water industry? Carandang: The greatest challenge in the water industry aside from the adoption and scalability of the technology is the cost to distribute water to the poorest and underprivileged people. Majority, if not all, of the people who lack accesses to water are the ones who live below the poverty line. They do not have the means and financial capability to because aside from the skepticism of the government, private corporations, and NGOs of every country with introduction of new technology in their portfolio, they are also looking on the profitability of when they adopt it. I think that if we just allow ourselves to really focus on the problem and provide and implement solutions, we can truly achieve the change we want. By doing a whole system approach by utilizing, treating, and distributing water. GN: What do you think should the government, private companies and NGO of each country do to get rid of these? How do we provide water accessibility to more than 7 billion people? Carandang: In order for us to provide water to more than 7 billion people across the world, we must first have the political will to implement stricter sanctions and penalties to people and organizations that fail to comply with environmental regulations which adversely affects our fresh water sources and also to prioritize projects and regulations that will enable the connectivity of the off-grid areas to the main distribution system. Lastly, we can also increase our supply by impounding and utilizing flood and surface water and by recharging aquifers. ADVICE TO THE YOUNG ENGINEERS GN: Please give advice and words of wisdom about the clean water campaign to our young global audience. What would you like to tell to the millennials? Any inspiring words that you can share? Carandang: As we all know, humanity is standing in a threshold now and our generation will be the one to carry the burden of saving our planet. Still, we need to remember that no matter how deep the despair, hope always rises out of it. We are the new light of the world- the ones who’ll guide humanity to a promising future. For this very reason, no matter what your age, race, gender, or social status, we can help each other and make use of our knowledge, passion, and dedication so that together, we can make our world a better place especially to our brothers and sisters in need. SEPTEMBER 2016 Clean Water Technologies 61