Posted on September 27, 2011 by dietvorst| 2 Comments
A team of engineering students from Brigham Young University (BYU) has developed a human-powered drill that can reach a depth of up to 75 metres at 10% to 20% the cost of a traditional motorized well rig. A prototype of the “Village Drill” cost around US$ 4,000 (excluding labour) to make in the USA.
The BYU students created the drill for a project in Tanzania run by WHOLives.org, a nonprofit based in South Jordan, Utah. The project is also co-sponsored by the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology.
The drill can be operated by four people. Three spin the wheel that turns the drill bit (cutting tool), and the fourth lifts the bit up and down when necessary to punch through tough spots. A water pump system removes the dirt from the 15 cm-wide hole.
In May 2011, a drilling team was able to construct a 45 m well with the patented “Village Drill” in 3 days in Magugu, Tanzania.
Related news: WASH technology information packages : for UNICEF WASH programme and supply personnel, E-Source, 24 Aug 2010
Showing posts with label WASH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WASH. Show all posts
Saturday, October 15, 2011
AfricaSan 3: ministers commit to look first “in our own backyard” for sanitation financing
Posted on October 3, 2011 by dietvorst| Leave a comment
African ministers have committed to do what they can ‘in our own back yard’ by using local finance for sanitation rather than depend on hand-outs. They were following the advice of President Kagame of Rwanda who opened AfricaSan 3, the Third African Sanitation and Hygiene Conference, which was held in Kigali from 19-21 July 2011. Hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), the conference attracted 900 people from 67 countries, including 23 African Ministers and deputy Ministers [1].
The aim of AfricaSan 3 was to “put Africa back on track to meet the sanitation MDG”. Civil society groups attending the conference said that the high level of participation and engagement shown by African Governments offered cause for optimism. However, much still needs to be done as just four countries in Sub Saharan Africa are currently on-track to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for sanitation. The single biggest challenge identified at the conference was funding, as there had been little or no progress towards the agreed target of allocating 0.5% of GDP to sanitation [2].
A major outcome of AfricaSan 3 was that 35 countries were developing national sanitation action plans. They have agreed to hold six monthly reviews of agreed actions over the next 2 years to be reviewed by sector leaders and submitted to the AMCOW AfricaSan Task Force [1].
[1] Read the full AfricaSan 3 Conference Statement
[2] WSSCC / ANEW / WaterAid / End Water Poverty, Africa could turn a corner in the sanitation crisis, WSSCC, 22 Jul 2011
African ministers have committed to do what they can ‘in our own back yard’ by using local finance for sanitation rather than depend on hand-outs. They were following the advice of President Kagame of Rwanda who opened AfricaSan 3, the Third African Sanitation and Hygiene Conference, which was held in Kigali from 19-21 July 2011. Hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), the conference attracted 900 people from 67 countries, including 23 African Ministers and deputy Ministers [1].
The aim of AfricaSan 3 was to “put Africa back on track to meet the sanitation MDG”. Civil society groups attending the conference said that the high level of participation and engagement shown by African Governments offered cause for optimism. However, much still needs to be done as just four countries in Sub Saharan Africa are currently on-track to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for sanitation. The single biggest challenge identified at the conference was funding, as there had been little or no progress towards the agreed target of allocating 0.5% of GDP to sanitation [2].
A major outcome of AfricaSan 3 was that 35 countries were developing national sanitation action plans. They have agreed to hold six monthly reviews of agreed actions over the next 2 years to be reviewed by sector leaders and submitted to the AMCOW AfricaSan Task Force [1].
[1] Read the full AfricaSan 3 Conference Statement
[2] WSSCC / ANEW / WaterAid / End Water Poverty, Africa could turn a corner in the sanitation crisis, WSSCC, 22 Jul 2011
Africa: political stability and country leadership key to water and sanitation progress
Posted on October 3, 2011 by dietvorst| Leave a comment
Political stability has heavily influenced progress in improving access to water supply and sanitation services with low-income stable countries outperforming low-income fragile and resource-rich countries. ”This breaks with the common perception that access to sanitation and water increases with GDP”, says Senior Financial Specialist Dominick de Waal, lead author of a new report [1] by the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program (WSP).
The report, commissioned by the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), maps progress in water supply and sanitation of 32 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. WSP carried out the country studies together with the African Development Bank in close partnership with UNICEF, WHO, and the 32 governments.
Continue reading →
Political stability has heavily influenced progress in improving access to water supply and sanitation services with low-income stable countries outperforming low-income fragile and resource-rich countries. ”This breaks with the common perception that access to sanitation and water increases with GDP”, says Senior Financial Specialist Dominick de Waal, lead author of a new report [1] by the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program (WSP).
The report, commissioned by the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), maps progress in water supply and sanitation of 32 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. WSP carried out the country studies together with the African Development Bank in close partnership with UNICEF, WHO, and the 32 governments.
Continue reading →
Cholera Outbreak in Central and West Africa 'One of the Worst Ever' - UN
11 October 2011
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called today for an urgent increase in the efforts to combat "one of the worst ever" cholera outbreaks affecting large numbers of people across West and Central Africa.
In a news release issued today, UNICEF urged governments to coordinate their preparation and response measures not only within their borders but also with neighbouring countries to prevent the spread of the disease.
"It is clear in this emergency that authorities can play a key role to save lives. Information exchange between cross-border districts on caseloads and population movements, as well as cross-border inspections for disinfection and chlorination are proven ways to contain the disease and save lives," the agency said.
This year the region has had more than 85,000 reported cholera cases, resulting in 2,466 deaths, which make it one of the biggest epidemics in the region's history. In addition, fatality rates remain unacceptably high, ranging from 2.3 per cent to 4.7 per cent and reaching much higher levels in countries such as Cameroon.
There are currently three major cross-border epidemic outbreaks in the region: the Lake Chad Basin which includes Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger; the West Congo Basin comprising of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic (CAR); and Lake Tanganyika, which includes the DRC and Burundi.
The most significant increases in the number of cases, however, are concentrated in Chad, Cameroon and the DRC. Smaller cholera epidemics in Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Togo are reportedly under control.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called today for an urgent increase in the efforts to combat "one of the worst ever" cholera outbreaks affecting large numbers of people across West and Central Africa.
In a news release issued today, UNICEF urged governments to coordinate their preparation and response measures not only within their borders but also with neighbouring countries to prevent the spread of the disease.
"It is clear in this emergency that authorities can play a key role to save lives. Information exchange between cross-border districts on caseloads and population movements, as well as cross-border inspections for disinfection and chlorination are proven ways to contain the disease and save lives," the agency said.
This year the region has had more than 85,000 reported cholera cases, resulting in 2,466 deaths, which make it one of the biggest epidemics in the region's history. In addition, fatality rates remain unacceptably high, ranging from 2.3 per cent to 4.7 per cent and reaching much higher levels in countries such as Cameroon.
There are currently three major cross-border epidemic outbreaks in the region: the Lake Chad Basin which includes Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger; the West Congo Basin comprising of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic (CAR); and Lake Tanganyika, which includes the DRC and Burundi.
The most significant increases in the number of cases, however, are concentrated in Chad, Cameroon and the DRC. Smaller cholera epidemics in Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Togo are reportedly under control.
Nigeria: Hand Washing Can Save 150,000 Children Annually - Unicef
Ruby Leo
14 October 2011
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has said that the simple task of hand washing is capable of saving the lives of over 150,000 Nigerian children annually who die from communicable disease.
In a press release signed by the Fund's communication specialist, Mr Geoffrey Njoku said, "in Nigeria, diarrhoea is the cause of some 194,000 deaths of children under five every year, the second highest rate in the world."
Dr. Suomi Sakai, Representative of UNICEF, said washing hands with soap or ash and water at critical times reduce the incidence of diarrhoea
14 October 2011
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has said that the simple task of hand washing is capable of saving the lives of over 150,000 Nigerian children annually who die from communicable disease.
In a press release signed by the Fund's communication specialist, Mr Geoffrey Njoku said, "in Nigeria, diarrhoea is the cause of some 194,000 deaths of children under five every year, the second highest rate in the world."
Dr. Suomi Sakai, Representative of UNICEF, said washing hands with soap or ash and water at critical times reduce the incidence of diarrhoea
Friday, December 24, 2010
Kenya: Kisii town to benefit from water and sanitation programme
Posted on December 16, 2010 by westerhof| Leave a comment
A Stakeholders Workshop held in Kisii Town last month endorsed a roadmap to design and implement a major water and sanitation development programme for the town, which will build on investments already completed under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Initiative.
UN-HABITAT will provide pre-investment capacity building under the Initiative and the Global Water Operators Partnership Alliance to design the Progamme and strengthen the institutional capacity of the local service provider to enable the Government of Kenya to access funding from interested development partners, including the German Development Bank (KfW) and the private sector.
Kisii is an important urban and commercial centre in south-western Kenya and its development has long been constrained by a lack of effective urban planning and poor infrastructure. UN-HABITAT, through the Initiative has assisted in providing a strategic urban plan for the town and in expanding access to water, sanitation and solid waste management services.
These interventions have been complemented by training and capacity building for the Gusii Water Company as well as a number of pre-investment studies to lay the groundwork for a long term water and sanitation development programme. The work carried out under LVWATSAN has attracted the interest of potential development partners, including KfW and USAID.
The Stakeholders Workshop was attended by over 50 participants drawn from the Government of Kenya, the local authorities, the Gusii Water Company, UN-HABITAT and its Consultants, the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, representing the community-based organizations and the media.
In his remarks to officially open the workshop, the Representative of the Regional Commissioner Mrs. Lydia Muriuki noted that while service delivery in the town had improved with support provided under the Initiative, there is now a need to develop a consensus among the stakeholders on the main elements of a long term water and sanitation strategy for the town, including an agreed action plan and time frame.
The workshop benefited from a number of presentations from UN-HABITAT staff and consultants which highlighted the investment gaps in water and sanitation in the town, the results of studies carried out and the areas of possible assistance.
In endorsing a way forward, the Stakeholders agreed that there was a need to consolidate the various studies and proposals into a comprehensive Business and Investment Plan for water and sanitation development, which should address key constraints, including the expansion of the network to extend service to the entire town and the peri-urban areas, construction of a mini-hydro scheme, development of groundwater resources and further capacity enhancement for the service provider. UN-HABITAT was requested to provide assistance to prepare the updated Business and Investment Plan, which will then be submitted to KfW and other interested donors with priority being given to the construction of the mini-hydro project to reduce energy costs and maximize the utilization of clean energy.
Source: UN-HABITAT, 14 December 2010
A Stakeholders Workshop held in Kisii Town last month endorsed a roadmap to design and implement a major water and sanitation development programme for the town, which will build on investments already completed under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Initiative.
UN-HABITAT will provide pre-investment capacity building under the Initiative and the Global Water Operators Partnership Alliance to design the Progamme and strengthen the institutional capacity of the local service provider to enable the Government of Kenya to access funding from interested development partners, including the German Development Bank (KfW) and the private sector.
Kisii is an important urban and commercial centre in south-western Kenya and its development has long been constrained by a lack of effective urban planning and poor infrastructure. UN-HABITAT, through the Initiative has assisted in providing a strategic urban plan for the town and in expanding access to water, sanitation and solid waste management services.
These interventions have been complemented by training and capacity building for the Gusii Water Company as well as a number of pre-investment studies to lay the groundwork for a long term water and sanitation development programme. The work carried out under LVWATSAN has attracted the interest of potential development partners, including KfW and USAID.
The Stakeholders Workshop was attended by over 50 participants drawn from the Government of Kenya, the local authorities, the Gusii Water Company, UN-HABITAT and its Consultants, the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, representing the community-based organizations and the media.
In his remarks to officially open the workshop, the Representative of the Regional Commissioner Mrs. Lydia Muriuki noted that while service delivery in the town had improved with support provided under the Initiative, there is now a need to develop a consensus among the stakeholders on the main elements of a long term water and sanitation strategy for the town, including an agreed action plan and time frame.
The workshop benefited from a number of presentations from UN-HABITAT staff and consultants which highlighted the investment gaps in water and sanitation in the town, the results of studies carried out and the areas of possible assistance.
In endorsing a way forward, the Stakeholders agreed that there was a need to consolidate the various studies and proposals into a comprehensive Business and Investment Plan for water and sanitation development, which should address key constraints, including the expansion of the network to extend service to the entire town and the peri-urban areas, construction of a mini-hydro scheme, development of groundwater resources and further capacity enhancement for the service provider. UN-HABITAT was requested to provide assistance to prepare the updated Business and Investment Plan, which will then be submitted to KfW and other interested donors with priority being given to the construction of the mini-hydro project to reduce energy costs and maximize the utilization of clean energy.
Source: UN-HABITAT, 14 December 2010
Ghana: first National Environmental Sanitation Conference takes place in Kumasi
Posted on December 21, 2010 by dietvorst| Leave a comment
The government should set up a revolving fund for Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) initiatives, in collaboration with Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) and local government. This was one of the recommendations from Ghana’s first National Environmental Sanitation Conference (NESCON).
The conference was held in Kumasi from 8-10 December in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The theme was “building partnerships for scaling up improved environmental sanitation services”, covering both solid waste management and household sanitation.
The conference presented, among others, highlights of the Environmental Sanitation Policy (Revised 2010), the National Environmental Sanitation Strategy and Action Plan (NESSAP) and the Strategic Environmental Sanitation Investment Plan (SESIP) and District Environmental Sanitation Strategy and Action Plans (DESSAPs).
NESCON 2010 was organised by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Directorate (EHSD) of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in partnership with Development Partners (DPs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Private Operators and others.
Read the concluding statement and recommendations and all presentations.
Source: Abu Wambei, RCN Ghana, 18 Dec 2010
The government should set up a revolving fund for Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) initiatives, in collaboration with Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) and local government. This was one of the recommendations from Ghana’s first National Environmental Sanitation Conference (NESCON).
The conference was held in Kumasi from 8-10 December in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The theme was “building partnerships for scaling up improved environmental sanitation services”, covering both solid waste management and household sanitation.
The conference presented, among others, highlights of the Environmental Sanitation Policy (Revised 2010), the National Environmental Sanitation Strategy and Action Plan (NESSAP) and the Strategic Environmental Sanitation Investment Plan (SESIP) and District Environmental Sanitation Strategy and Action Plans (DESSAPs).
NESCON 2010 was organised by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Directorate (EHSD) of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in partnership with Development Partners (DPs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Private Operators and others.
Read the concluding statement and recommendations and all presentations.
Source: Abu Wambei, RCN Ghana, 18 Dec 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ellen Raises Concern Over Water, Sanitation Issues
On the eve of her address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 24, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Wednesday, September 22, participated in a number of side events of the General Assembly, drawing attention to issues of water, sanitation and hygiene and inclusive growth and employment in Africa. Serving as a panelist for the discussion on the “Global Water and Sanitation Challenge: The Key to the MDGs,” the President expressed concern that despite the critical role water, sanitation and hygiene play in enhancing progress on all the other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the sector is under-discussed, under-prioritized and under-resourced.
The President said current access to water and especially to sanitation in Africa is cause for concern. Only 26 of 54 African countries, she observed, are on track to meet the MDG for drinking water, and only six are on track to meet the Goal of sanitation. In
sub-Saharan Africa, the President pointed out, more than 80 percent of countries are off-track for the sanitation target.
The President indicated, however, that despite huge challenges in coordination, investment and financial capacity, Africa has made the political commitment to drive the sector forward. The Liberian leader also highlighted the progress Liberia has made in addressing the issue since she became President in 2006, while acknowledging that the country still has a long way to go. The country's Poverty Reduction Strategy, she noted, emphasizes water and sanitation. Liberia, the President recalled, has approved an Integrated Water Resource Management Policy. “Our Water Supply and Sanitation Policy approves the formation of a number of key institutions,” the Liberian President explained.
The President then urged all governments and institutions to take water, sanitation and hygiene seriously. “If we fail to address the causes of disease, such as lack of access to basic sanitation and safe drinking water, the rates of return on our investment in health will diminish, and we will continue to see our children die of easily preventable diseases,” she warned. The Liberian President, who is also Goodwill Ambassador for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Africa, said the continent remains committed to the achievement of this Goal.
The panel was also addressed by President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan; Senegal's Foreign Minister, representing President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal; former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo of the Republic of Korea; as well as United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The officials pledged their institutions' commitment to prioritizing the global water and sanitation challenges.
Meanwhile, President Johnson Sirleaf has acknowledged that the most difficult challenge facing her Government is the implementation of the investments the country has attracted over the years. “How the big investments touch the lives of the ordinary man or woman, is the challenge, and we will continue to find effective responses,” the President told a gathering at another UN side event, organized to discuss inclusive growth in Africa and how it is impacting the lives of the people.
The notion of 'inclusive growth,” the President insisted, is not just an abstract concept; it must become a reality in order for a secure future to take hold.” The event, co-hosted by the Governments of Liberia, Tanzania and Denmark, was also attended by Prime Minister M.K. Peter Pinda of Tanzania and Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen of Denmark, who spoke of his country's support toward Africa's efforts to address the needs of its people. The Danish Premier indicated that by 2014, his country would have doubled its support to private sector development in Africa.
Growth and employment “is a key priority in our new strategy for development cooperation,” he stressed, adding, “we do this because now is the right time. Africa's potential has never been greater, and African countries are taking the lead. We, the development partners, must do our part,” he urged.
The Liberian leader has also been participating in other events. She was present in the General Assembly Hall when President Barack Obama addressed the MDG Summit. She also attended a reception for Heads of State, hosted by the Clinton Global Foundation, where she served as a panelist on Tuesday, September 21 on the “Empowering Girls and Women”.
The President will, among other events, participate in a panel discussion on Thursday, September 23, upon the invitation of the Presidents of Finland and Lithuania on behalf of the Women World Leaders. The panel will discuss “Women as a Critical Force in Democratic Governance”. Thursday's events also include a bilateral meeting between the Liberian President and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
source:http://www.theinquirer.com (viewed on 3rd Nov, 2010 4pm)
The President said current access to water and especially to sanitation in Africa is cause for concern. Only 26 of 54 African countries, she observed, are on track to meet the MDG for drinking water, and only six are on track to meet the Goal of sanitation. In
sub-Saharan Africa, the President pointed out, more than 80 percent of countries are off-track for the sanitation target.
The President indicated, however, that despite huge challenges in coordination, investment and financial capacity, Africa has made the political commitment to drive the sector forward. The Liberian leader also highlighted the progress Liberia has made in addressing the issue since she became President in 2006, while acknowledging that the country still has a long way to go. The country's Poverty Reduction Strategy, she noted, emphasizes water and sanitation. Liberia, the President recalled, has approved an Integrated Water Resource Management Policy. “Our Water Supply and Sanitation Policy approves the formation of a number of key institutions,” the Liberian President explained.
The President then urged all governments and institutions to take water, sanitation and hygiene seriously. “If we fail to address the causes of disease, such as lack of access to basic sanitation and safe drinking water, the rates of return on our investment in health will diminish, and we will continue to see our children die of easily preventable diseases,” she warned. The Liberian President, who is also Goodwill Ambassador for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Africa, said the continent remains committed to the achievement of this Goal.
The panel was also addressed by President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan; Senegal's Foreign Minister, representing President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal; former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo of the Republic of Korea; as well as United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The officials pledged their institutions' commitment to prioritizing the global water and sanitation challenges.
Meanwhile, President Johnson Sirleaf has acknowledged that the most difficult challenge facing her Government is the implementation of the investments the country has attracted over the years. “How the big investments touch the lives of the ordinary man or woman, is the challenge, and we will continue to find effective responses,” the President told a gathering at another UN side event, organized to discuss inclusive growth in Africa and how it is impacting the lives of the people.
The notion of 'inclusive growth,” the President insisted, is not just an abstract concept; it must become a reality in order for a secure future to take hold.” The event, co-hosted by the Governments of Liberia, Tanzania and Denmark, was also attended by Prime Minister M.K. Peter Pinda of Tanzania and Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen of Denmark, who spoke of his country's support toward Africa's efforts to address the needs of its people. The Danish Premier indicated that by 2014, his country would have doubled its support to private sector development in Africa.
Growth and employment “is a key priority in our new strategy for development cooperation,” he stressed, adding, “we do this because now is the right time. Africa's potential has never been greater, and African countries are taking the lead. We, the development partners, must do our part,” he urged.
The Liberian leader has also been participating in other events. She was present in the General Assembly Hall when President Barack Obama addressed the MDG Summit. She also attended a reception for Heads of State, hosted by the Clinton Global Foundation, where she served as a panelist on Tuesday, September 21 on the “Empowering Girls and Women”.
The President will, among other events, participate in a panel discussion on Thursday, September 23, upon the invitation of the Presidents of Finland and Lithuania on behalf of the Women World Leaders. The panel will discuss “Women as a Critical Force in Democratic Governance”. Thursday's events also include a bilateral meeting between the Liberian President and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
source:http://www.theinquirer.com (viewed on 3rd Nov, 2010 4pm)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
UN Human Rights Council affirms that right to water and sanitation is legally binding
UN Human Rights Council affirms that right to water and sanitation is legally binding
Posted on October 6, 2010 by dietvorst| Leave a comment
The UN Human Rights Council has finally recognised the right to water and sanitation as legally binding in international law, in a landmark decision adopted on 30 September 2010.
[T]he UN affirmed [...] by consensus that the right to water and sanitation is derived from the right to an adequate standard of living, which is contained in several international human rights treaties. While experts working with the UN human rights system have long acknowledged this, it was the first time that the Human Rights Council has declared itself on the issue.
According to the UN Independent Expert on human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, “this means that for the UN, the right to water and sanitation, is contained in existing human rights treaties and is therefore legally binding”. She added that “this landmark decision has the potential to change the lives of the billions of human beings who still lack access to water and sanitation.”
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Posted in Policies & legislation, Sanitation, Water supply
Tagged right to water, human rights, right to sanitation, WaterAid, United Nations, Catarina de Albuquerque, Human Rights Council, Freshwater Action Network, S1007-International
Posted on October 6, 2010 by dietvorst| Leave a comment
The UN Human Rights Council has finally recognised the right to water and sanitation as legally binding in international law, in a landmark decision adopted on 30 September 2010.
[T]he UN affirmed [...] by consensus that the right to water and sanitation is derived from the right to an adequate standard of living, which is contained in several international human rights treaties. While experts working with the UN human rights system have long acknowledged this, it was the first time that the Human Rights Council has declared itself on the issue.
According to the UN Independent Expert on human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, “this means that for the UN, the right to water and sanitation, is contained in existing human rights treaties and is therefore legally binding”. She added that “this landmark decision has the potential to change the lives of the billions of human beings who still lack access to water and sanitation.”
Continue reading →
→ Leave a comment
Posted in Policies & legislation, Sanitation, Water supply
Tagged right to water, human rights, right to sanitation, WaterAid, United Nations, Catarina de Albuquerque, Human Rights Council, Freshwater Action Network, S1007-International
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sanitation and water must no longer play second fiddle to other priorities
Joint press release
Countries with the greatest unmet sanitation and water needs most often receive little or no aid
WASHINGTON, D.C. 21 April 2010 – Between 1997 and 2008, aid commitments for sanitation and water fell from 8% of total development aid to 5%, lower than commitments for health, education, transport, energy and agriculture, according to the latest UN-Water Global Annual Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) report, launched today by UN-Water and the World Health Organization (WHO).
This drop occurred despite compelling evidence that achieving the water and sanitation target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) would lower health-care costs, increase school attendance and boost productivity. Despite these clear benefits for human and economic development, many countries and donors are still not allocating sufficient attention and resources to water and sanitation.
“Neglecting sanitation and drinking-water is a strike against progress. Without it, communities and countries will lose the battle against poverty and ill-health,” said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health and Environment.
Improved access to sanitation and water produces economic benefits that range from US$ 3 to US$ 34 per US$ 1 invested, increasing a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by an estimated 2% to 7%.
“Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and the lack of hygiene claim the lives of an estimated 2.2 million children under the age of 5 every year. Of these deaths, 1.5 million are due to diarrhoea, the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease,” said Dr. Neira. “The impact of diarrhoeal disease in children under 15 is greater than the combined impact of HIV and AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis,” she added.
The findings from the UN-Water GLAAS report will be presented at the first annual High Level Meeting of Sanitation and Water for All, hosted by UNICEF on 23 April in Washington, DC. The High Level Meeting provides a forum for Ministers of Finance from developing countries, accompanied by Ministers responsible for sanitation and water, and representatives from donor countries to gain a greater understanding of the linkages between water, sanitation, and economic growth, in order to commit the appropriate resources, as well as to promote a culture of mutual accountability, partnership and shared responsibility.
At this groundbreaking event, governments, donors, multilateral agencies, and civil society organizations will discuss challenges, share best practices and commit to bringing safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation to the unserved. The participants will focus on the UN-Water GLAAS recommendations: greater political prioritization for sanitation and drinking-water, better resource targeting, strengthening of systems, and development of stronger partnerships at all levels.
“This high level meeting represents a watershed in our sector. As a global partnership, Sanitation and Water for All will involve the people who make decisions about investments, and who can change the outlook for the sector. We firmly believe giving priority to sanitation and water and tracking our progress together will aid development and give new hope to countries who struggle to reach their poorest citizens, including vulnerable children, with these essential services,” said Ms. Clarissa Brocklehurst, UNICEF Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
“UNICEF is delighted by the enthusiastic response we have had from invitees, and we look forward to a landmark first meeting with 35 ministers from 20 developing countries and 12 major donors,” she added.
“UN-Water is proud that the GLAAS report will help drive change in the sector, and our members are poised to support the work of development partners and members states,” said Dr. Zafar Adeel, who chairs UN-Water, a group of 27 UN organizations working on various aspects of water.
About Sanitation and Water for All
Sanitation and Water for All is a global partnership aimed at achieving universal and sustainable access to sanitation and drinking-water for all, by firmly placing sanitation and water on the global agenda with an immediate focus on achieving the MDGs in the most off-track countries.
To view report: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/glaas
Please visit:
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/glaas
http://www.unicef.org/
http://www.unwater.org/activities_san4all.html
Attn Broadcasters: B-roll on Water and Sanitation issues will be available on www.thenewsmarket.com/unicef
For further information please contact:
UNICEF: Ms. Saira S Khan, UNICEF Media, New York, Tel: 1 212 326 7224, Email: sskhan@unicef.org
WHO: Ms Nada Osseiran, Communications Officer, Public Health and Environment, Geneva, Tel. +4122 7914475, Mobile +4179 445 1624, Email: osseirann@who.int;
PAHO/WHO: Donna Eberwine-Villagrán, media relations, Pan American Health Organization, Tel. 1 202 974 3122, Email: eberwind@paho.org.
Countries with the greatest unmet sanitation and water needs most often receive little or no aid
WASHINGTON, D.C. 21 April 2010 – Between 1997 and 2008, aid commitments for sanitation and water fell from 8% of total development aid to 5%, lower than commitments for health, education, transport, energy and agriculture, according to the latest UN-Water Global Annual Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) report, launched today by UN-Water and the World Health Organization (WHO).
This drop occurred despite compelling evidence that achieving the water and sanitation target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) would lower health-care costs, increase school attendance and boost productivity. Despite these clear benefits for human and economic development, many countries and donors are still not allocating sufficient attention and resources to water and sanitation.
“Neglecting sanitation and drinking-water is a strike against progress. Without it, communities and countries will lose the battle against poverty and ill-health,” said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health and Environment.
Improved access to sanitation and water produces economic benefits that range from US$ 3 to US$ 34 per US$ 1 invested, increasing a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by an estimated 2% to 7%.
“Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and the lack of hygiene claim the lives of an estimated 2.2 million children under the age of 5 every year. Of these deaths, 1.5 million are due to diarrhoea, the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease,” said Dr. Neira. “The impact of diarrhoeal disease in children under 15 is greater than the combined impact of HIV and AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis,” she added.
The findings from the UN-Water GLAAS report will be presented at the first annual High Level Meeting of Sanitation and Water for All, hosted by UNICEF on 23 April in Washington, DC. The High Level Meeting provides a forum for Ministers of Finance from developing countries, accompanied by Ministers responsible for sanitation and water, and representatives from donor countries to gain a greater understanding of the linkages between water, sanitation, and economic growth, in order to commit the appropriate resources, as well as to promote a culture of mutual accountability, partnership and shared responsibility.
At this groundbreaking event, governments, donors, multilateral agencies, and civil society organizations will discuss challenges, share best practices and commit to bringing safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation to the unserved. The participants will focus on the UN-Water GLAAS recommendations: greater political prioritization for sanitation and drinking-water, better resource targeting, strengthening of systems, and development of stronger partnerships at all levels.
“This high level meeting represents a watershed in our sector. As a global partnership, Sanitation and Water for All will involve the people who make decisions about investments, and who can change the outlook for the sector. We firmly believe giving priority to sanitation and water and tracking our progress together will aid development and give new hope to countries who struggle to reach their poorest citizens, including vulnerable children, with these essential services,” said Ms. Clarissa Brocklehurst, UNICEF Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
“UNICEF is delighted by the enthusiastic response we have had from invitees, and we look forward to a landmark first meeting with 35 ministers from 20 developing countries and 12 major donors,” she added.
“UN-Water is proud that the GLAAS report will help drive change in the sector, and our members are poised to support the work of development partners and members states,” said Dr. Zafar Adeel, who chairs UN-Water, a group of 27 UN organizations working on various aspects of water.
About Sanitation and Water for All
Sanitation and Water for All is a global partnership aimed at achieving universal and sustainable access to sanitation and drinking-water for all, by firmly placing sanitation and water on the global agenda with an immediate focus on achieving the MDGs in the most off-track countries.
To view report: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/glaas
Please visit:
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/glaas
http://www.unicef.org/
http://www.unwater.org/activities_san4all.html
Attn Broadcasters: B-roll on Water and Sanitation issues will be available on www.thenewsmarket.com/unicef
For further information please contact:
UNICEF: Ms. Saira S Khan, UNICEF Media, New York, Tel: 1 212 326 7224, Email: sskhan@unicef.org
WHO: Ms Nada Osseiran, Communications Officer, Public Health and Environment, Geneva, Tel. +4122 7914475, Mobile +4179 445 1624, Email: osseirann@who.int;
PAHO/WHO: Donna Eberwine-Villagrán, media relations, Pan American Health Organization, Tel. 1 202 974 3122, Email: eberwind@paho.org.
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