b'Partner News Summer 2022 17EnterpriseTo fix technology poverty, you need real technology transfer. Communities must take ownership of the technology, Felix says.The Covid pandemic was a big setback, blighting efforts to travel to the location throughout 2020, so Felix developed the entire project online. He was awarded a grant from the IET@150 Global Engagement Fund to support the project and help towards the cost, but lockdowns were continuing to spoil the programmes potential. Thankfully, a window opened in 2021 and he travelled to Leticia so implementation could begin. By now, Felix was working for Megger in the UK as an Applications Specialist. Megger is an electrical testing equipment manufacturer and provider of digital services like asset management and fault detection for power utilities, and an IET Enterprise Partner.Fixing tech poverty: Megger supportsWhile implementing the water disinfection devices, an electrical engineer in the Amazon providing free, altruistic help for indigenous people did not go unnoticed. Felix met local energy company ENAM, who are working to transfer power provision in this region from polluting diesel generators to solar power. With Meggers help, Felix provided many free clamp testers and multimeters toThis system replaces the use of chlorine their technicians; when a solar power unitand ensures 99% removal of pathogenic is fitted, ENAM will train the indigenousmicroorganisms in the water, he says. In people how to test it, helping themsimilar interventions in Latin America there troubleshoot and fix problems.has been a direct impact on health, with diarrhoea incidents down 30% to 40% for all The energy company is very happy with theage groups, and Felix is expecting to beat training I provided for their solar equipment,this figure for these communities.and I would love to support more detailed training, Felix says. Next stepsWater quality is a huge problem across Now people in both the impoverishedLatin America and Felix wants to replicate but civilised Leticia, and in tiny, remotethe filtration systems elsewhere in the indigenous communities nearby, can accessAmazon. The disinfection system currently water purification and electricity testingrequires electricity, and he is developing a technology to experience two of lifes basicssolar-powered and battery-powered versionwater and powerfor free.where Megger could also help. The manager of the food bank tells FelixHe also wants to expand the programme that every litre of clean water producedto assist indigenous people displaced by a saves them money. He couldnt believeslew of pressures caused by modern society, that he would stop carrying water acrossdeforestation and illegal mining. town, Felix adds. The empowerment of water freedom also brings more economicFor more information about Megger,opportunities to local families.visit: uk.megger.com/'