Kayamandi Primary School gets soccer field on top of water reservoir
The reservoir stores harvested rainwater, and connects to a nearby borehole, which feeds into a four-phase water-purification system.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Marco Botha, CEO of the Open Play Foundation, about an innovative water harvesting and storage system at Kayamandi Primary School.
Kayamandi Primary School's (Stellenbosch) new soccer field has a custom-built water reservoir constructed of interlocking palettes underneath.
The water reservoir stores harvested rainwater and connects it to a nearby borehole, which in turn feeds into a four-phase water-purification system.
After a meeting with former Springboks captain Jean de Villiers, the idea for this soccer field and water reservoir was born.
Botha explains that De Villiers' idea was inspired by the Dutch who developed similar water-filtering underground systems for water-scarce countries.
"The initial idea was to create safe and accessible sports and recreational spaces in disadvantaged communities because we want kids to play safely in spaces without their parents worrying about them."
- Marco Botha, CEO - Open Play Foundation
Botha says the water reservoir is a relief, providing learners with drinking water.
Before the water reservoir, there were only three working outside taps for learners and the school kids were left without running water.
Excess water collected from the reservoir also goes toward food security for a neighbouring community that uses the water to grow fruits and vegetables, feeding almost 30 families.
"No water is wasted," says Botha.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.