Dutch Clean Tech will implement two pilot projects in Mexico. The construction of two sewage treatment plants aims to tackle pollution in two rivers on the US border. DCT’s recently established local branch in Mexico City, led by director Oscar Rossbach Vaca, will play a coordinating role in the projects.

That the projects will come about is due to the commitment of Humberto Marengo, board member of Conagua, the Mexican water company. Conagua wants to address the long-standing discontent in US border states over the heavy pollution of border rivers entering the country. The pollution is caused by industrial plants in Mexico and by sewage that is discharged into the rivers virtually untreated.

Funding damper

“To actually do something about the pollution with sewage treatment plants would normally require a hefty investment. Financing in such cases is an insurmountable barrier,” Sander Pielkenrood knows. “With Dutch Clean Tech’s concept, this threshold disappears, because the user only pays for rent/lease of the facilities and for use.”

Proving efficiency

Now that Conagua has become convinced of this, it is up to DCT to prove the efficiency of the facilities in two pilots. Sander: “Do we do what we promise, and does it work? We are going to prove that.” What will be the result, in time? “Cleaner water in the border rivers, more suitable for irrigation and even for making drinking water. And ultimately: better relations with the US neighbours.”