Scientist to discuss Darfur water project at Swampscott High

SWAMPSCOTT – A Boston University scientist spearheading a project to create 1,000 drinking water wells in the arid and wartorn Darfur region of Sudan will share his insights Monday with students at Swampscott High.Dr. Farouk El-Baz recently discovered what be believes is an underground lake in the African country’s northern region. If his instincts prove correct, the fresh water could be pumped to the surface and piped south to where it’s most needed.El-Baz, a native of Egypt whose wife, Patricia, hails from Swampscott, recently presented his findings to the United Nations, which has since adopted his so-called 1,000 Wells for Darfur initiative.The famed scientist agreed to address the Swampscott High students because an activist group from the school last year expressed interest in helping make better the crisis in Darfur, according to Cathering Ribiero, spokesman for U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney.Tierney, a Salem Democrat and chairman of the National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, arranged the scientist’s visit. He and El-Baz are slated to brief the students on the UN involvement and what geo-political implications such a discovery could have on the region. After all, water in a desert nation can be compared to oil or gold.El-Baz is chief researcher and director of the Boston University Center for Remote Sensing.