Explored the hidden history of Brussels’ sewage system
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. However, there is a hidden side to the city that is not often talked about – its sewage system. The history of Brussels’ sewage system is a fascinating one, and it has played a significant role in the city’s development over the years. In this article, we will explore the hidden history of Brussels’ sewage system, from its early days to the present.
Early Days of Brussels’ Sewage System
In the early days of Brussels, the city did not have a proper sewage system. Human excrement was collected by a street cleaning team known as the ferme des boues, who would pour the waste into pools where over time it would turn into urban manure to be sold to farmers. However, with the population growth in Brussels and elsewhere in Belgium, the human waste market collapsed. With Brussels boasting a canal network for the transport of goods, the Senne River was seen as an obvious outlet for the growing sewage problem.
In the 1800s, the sewage was dumped into the city’s Senne River, which led to horrible cholera epidemics. The river was considered a constant flood risk and a source of disease and unhappiness, and it was vaulted in, built over, and hidden from sight. The Senne River was considered little more than a sewer and was condemned by locals.
Development of Brussels’ Sewage System
Over time, the city realized the importance of having a proper sewage system. In the late 1800s, the city began to build a sewage system that would transport waste away from the city and into the countryside. The first sewage treatment plant was built in 1901, and it was designed to treat wastewater from the city’s northern districts.
Today, Brussels has a 200-mile network of sewers and treatment plants that process the city’s waste. The city’s sewage system is one of the most advanced in the world, and it plays a crucial role in keeping the city clean and healthy.
Bill Gates Explores Brussels’ Sewage System
On World Toilet Day in 2023, Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft, explored the hidden history of Brussels’ sewage system. He went inside the city’s sewer system to learn more about the water waste system of Brussels. Gates took to Instagram to share the video and also informed people about the rich history of Brussels.
In the video, Gates explored the underground system and met scientists to learn more about it. He visited the Brussels’ underground museum, which documents the history of the city’s wastewater system. The video shows how the city’s sewage system has evolved over time, from the early days of dumping sewage into the Senne River to the present-day advanced system that processes the city’s waste.
Conclusion
The history of Brussels’ sewage system is a fascinating one, and it has played a significant role in the city’s development over the years. From the early days of dumping sewage into the Senne River to the present-day advanced system that processes the city’s waste, the city has come a long way. Today, Brussels has one of the most advanced sewage systems in the world, and it plays a crucial role in keeping the city clean and healthy.
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Who is Bill Gates
Bill Gates is an American businessman, investor, philanthropist, and writer, best known for co-founding the software giant Microsoft, along with his childhood friend Paul Allen. He was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. Gates has been a major entrepreneur of the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s. He has held various positions at Microsoft, including chairman, chief executive officer (CEO), president, and chief software architect.
Gates is also known for his philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he co-chairs with his former spouse, Melinda French Gates. The foundation focuses on improving equity in the United States and around the world, funding global health programs, and supporting projects in the Pacific Northwest. Gates has donated significant amounts of money to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs through the foundation, making it the world’s largest private charity.
In addition to his work with the foundation, Gates is involved in other business endeavors, including his private office, Gates Ventures, which focuses on climate change and clean energy innovation, Alzheimer’s research, interdisciplinary education, and technology. He is also the founder of Breakthrough Energy, which supports clean technologies to address climate change. Gates is a technologist, business leader, and philanthropist who has made a significant impact on the technology industry and global philanthropy.
Interesting facts about Bill Gates
Here are some interesting facts about Bill Gates:
- Early Programming: Gates coded his first program at the age of 13, creating a computer version of tic-tac-toe while attending Lakeside prep school in Seattle.
- College Dropout: Despite his success, Gates dropped out of Harvard University, and in an interview, he expressed regret for not learning another language.
- Philanthropy: Gates has made significant contributions to global health initiatives and has invested in various entrepreneurial companies.
- Wealth: In 2020, Gates had a net worth of $116 billion, and in 2019, he briefly became the richest person in the world.
- Personal Life: Gates received an honorary degree from Harvard University in 2007 and has been known for his frugal spending habits, such as flying coach and limiting his children’s inheritance.
These facts shed light on Gates’ early achievements, his philanthropy, and his unique approach to wealth and personal life.
what is bill gates’ net worth
As of November 2023, Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated to be around $117.2 billion according to Forbes. Other sources, such as Wikipedia and Investopedia, estimate his net worth to be around $134 billion. Bloomberg also provides insights into Gates’ net worth, stating that the majority of his fortune is derived from Cascade Investment, a holding company created with the proceeds of Microsoft stock sales and dividends. Gates’ net worth has fluctuated over the years due to various factors, including his philanthropic activities and investments in different companies.