DNV shows commitment to water projects in China

JILIN, China, Sept. 1, 2009 -- Two more water and sanitation projects supported by DNV in Jilin Province have been completed and handed over to the local villagers. Together with the three previously completed projects, the continuous water projects are now in their fourth year and are regarded as models for the rural construction in the local area.

Starting in April 2008, these two projects consisted of bringing spring water from a nearby mountain through tanks and a modern pipeline system to each household and rebuilding an ecological sanitation facility for the residents. Training and hygiene education were also important parts of the projects.

A local villager expresses her appreciation of the contribution made by the Norwegian and Chinese Red Cross and DNV.A grand ceremony was recently held at Xingfeng Village to celebrate the successful completion of the projects. Present at the ceremony were DNV Vice President and Area Chair for Greater China Joerg Beiler, SHE Manager for Greater China Julia Zhu, the Norwegian Red Cross program coordinator for Asia Mr Gideon, the vice chief of Antu County Ms Shi and representatives of the Chinese Red Cross.

At the ceremony, a certificate of commendation was awarded to DNV and the Norwegian Red Cross to commemorate their humanitarianism and philanthropic deeds for the rural households in Xingfeng Village. Ms Shi, the vice chief of Antu County, said, "This project uses a water source on the mountain rather than underground, making the project eco-friendly and sustainable. We are using this project as a model when rolling out the water projects in Antu County."

When the participants visited several families afterwards to learn about the local people's standard of living, one of the villagers said, "I thought that tap water only existed in cities, now we also have clean, safe drinking water in my house. Life has changed and improved a lot, I feel more confident about the future."

Joerg Beiler, DNV Vice President and Area Chair for Greater China.Continuous support from DNVSince 2005, DNV has continuously supported the water and sanitation projects in Jilin Province by cooperating with the Norwegian and Chinese Red Cross. So far, five projects have been completed and more than 700 households containing close to 2,500 villagers have benefited from them.

Joerg Beiler, DNV Vice President and Area Chair for Greater China, concludes, "DNV is always committed to the sustainable development of the local community that we are working with and living in. I believe that, together with local government, the Norwegian Red Cross and Chinese Red Cross, we can make living in rural areas more attractive and comfortable."

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