Aquassistance Organization

On 28 May 2009, Cyclone Aila swept across the south of Bangladesh, leaving 190 dead in its wake. The relatively low number of victims was due to the combined efforts of the population and to the set-up of alert systems. But the material damage was as great as that of Cyclone Sidr in 2007, even if it did not attract as much international media attention.

After the seawalls collapsed forming a breach more than 1500 km long, sea water invaded the lowlands, wrecking 680,000 homes and destroying 13,000 hectares of crops. Salt water also contaminated the fresh water resources of almost 4 million people.

AQUASSISTANCE is a Non-profit Organization of personnel of GDF SUEZ Group who volunteer to provide assistance to populations in need in the areas of water, environment and waste management. It sets out to make the skills of its members and some physical resources available to these people.

The state of precariousness of millions of people in the world with respect to water and environment is the reason for founding the association. Its purpose is to provide assistance in the field to populations in distress by bringing them an appropriate service and equipment.

The association is designed to act in all cases where a mission of experts from the professions concerning management of water and the environment is justified, whether for an emergency, development or rehabilitation. The association is disinterested. Coming to the help of distressed populations is its single preoccupation, its only justification.

Consequently the association does not allow any exploitation for publicity of the actions undertaken with a view to a commercial advantage, any competition between professionals and field workers, any political involvement.

Priority is given to voluntary work. The association is made up of members grouped into local sections to suit the locations of the sites of the Group.

Volunteers, all members of the association, propose and carry out the projects selected by the Board of Directors of the association. A central animation team organizes the operations to be undertaken, monitors their progress and ensures their coordination. The permanent members of the central animation team are the only persons who receive a salary.

Our actions are, whether in emergency or in development aid, based on a preliminary review of local conditions.

They are only put into execution if there are strong expectations of the population and if they have a high probability of success.

They are the subject of a partnership agreement with stakeholders (population to be helped, partner associations ...). Each action leads to a detailed implementation schedule.