not really: if average life is 2 weeks that means you need $100 per year for devices. Somalia gdp per capita is $500 (not taking PPP aince these will likely be imported).
So 20% of anual income is quite high
“If it does prove durable, it could be a relatively cheap way to get freshwater to people in need of it.”
The engineers are unsure of how long it will last and if it’s actually cost effective, yet there’s many HN comments here that seem to suggest they know better. Where are you getting your information that the rest of us are not privy to?
I'd also think that the GDP doesn't factor in international aid, so 25$ per year for the poorest could be still better than the current alternative (no idea on what that is, though).