SOS Children India and CocaCola announce rainwater project

SOS Children India and Coca-Cola India have announced the commencement of work on a rainwater harvesting (RWH) project which will begin at the SOS Children's Village Alwaye-Cochin. The project, on completion, will ensure safe drinking water for children and communities from within and around the Village. This project forms part of a nationwide partnership between SOS Children India, The Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola India to help create a better life for children. The project will be completed at the end of 2009.

The RWH project at the SOS Children's Village will be constructed as per technical drawings approved by authorized consultants and the National Steering Committee. The National Steering Committee is made up of experts from the field of water management, civil society and representatives from Coca-Cola India as well as staff from SOS Children.

Speaking on the occasion, Vipin Das, the SOS Alwaye-Cochin Village Director said, "I am pleased to announce the commencement of RWH work at our Children's Village. I appreciate the efforts of Coca-Cola India and Coca-Cola foundation that have undertaken water conservation projects like these across the country. The project upon completion will not only help in recycling of groundwater but also ensure growth of children in a safer and hygienic environment. The project will aware young children on importance of water conservation and help them to grow as the brand ambassadors for the cause of water conservation."

According to Ajay Kumar, General Sales Manager (Kerala), Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Limited, "Our focus has always been on water conservation and community development. Water conservation and environment management today requires a participative and collaborative approach. Each stakeholder in the society must contribute to the best of his ability for sustainability of the Earth's resources. I am thankful to SOS Children for coming together with us to start this nationwide project of rainwater harvesting and I look forward to a speedy completion of the project work in the Children's Village in Alwaye."

The nationwide partnership between SOS Children, The Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola India entails the construction of RWH projects at 39 SOS locations spread across the country.