A rare invention to fight drought with fruit has seen an Ekurhuleni scientist take top honours at the prestigious 2016 Google Science Fair in California.
Kiara Nirghin (16) scooped the first prize for her invention.
The absorbent polymer is made from orange and avocado peels, and is able to act as a water retainer in soil.
Congratulating the young scientist, the MMC for City Planning Masele Madihlaba encouraged her to endeavour in finding 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 could be developed to provide a solution to the current water scarcity the country is faced with,” said MMC Madihlaba.
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 to save both money and crops.
“We need to adopt a culture of supporting one of our own. Exceptional talent like this should not 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.