A RARE invention to fight drought with fruit, has seen a young Ekurhuleni scientist take top honors at the prestigious 2016 Google Science Flair in California.
Meyersdal born Kiara Nirghin (16) scooped the first prize for her invention.
Nirghin describes her invention as a mini reservoir of water in the soil that allows plants to have a water supply through drought. The water storage solution is a low-cost material that would help reduce waste material from juice manufacturing, while helping local farmers save both money and
crops. The absorbent polymer is made from orange and avocado peels, able to act as a water retainer in soil.
Congratulating the young scientist, the MMC for City Planning, Masele Madihlaba, encouraged her to endeavor to find solutions that will have a positive impact on society.
“Dynamite comes in small packages. As the City of Ekurhuleni we are proud of you and hope that your invention can be developed to provide a solution for the current water scarcity the country is faced with,” said MMC Madihlaba.
“We need to adopt a culture of supporting one of our own. Exceptional talent like this shouldn’t go unnoticed, especially when it comes from the City of Ekurhuleni,” added MMC Madihlaba.
Nirghin not only raised the City of Ekurhuleni’s flag amongst the brightest young brains around the globe – she has also been nominated for the ANN7 Youth Leader of the Year awards.
Residents are encouraged to vote for her by SMSing YOUTH 2 to 43043, or email YOUTH 2 to satyvoting@ann7.com.
