Innovative Tanzanian chemical engineer reaches new heights

An innovative Tanzanian chemical engineer has discovered a remarkable way to purify water and make it safe for human consumption. Askwar Hilonga has created a water purification filter system which has already earned him a prestigious prize bestowed by the Royal British Academy.

The invention operates with a sand filter, that has been built and crafted for the past four years and is 100% effective. Hilonga’s inspiration stems from the fact that most of his family members did not have access to drinkable water prior to his invention. Hilonga gives a bit of technical insight as to how the filter works: “I put water through sand to trap debris and bacteria, but sand cannot remove contaminants like fluoride and other heavy metals so I put them through nano materials to remove chemical contaminants”.

Since winning the prize, Hilonga has been able to buy materials at a reduced cost. For people who cannot afford the filter, he has established a water station in order to give everyone a chance to source water at an extremely low price.

Hilonga’s invention sends a positive message to other young Tanzanians and encourages them not to leave their homeland, but to rather solve problems in their own country. New inventions like Hilonga’s have the potential to boost the country’s economy and reduce unemployment. The invention has added the international spotlight on Tanzania.