Project Encourages Developing Countries to Share Strategies for Improving Water Quality, Sanitation | Voice of America - English
Almost half of all Africans do not have access to clean drinking water or adequate sanitation. Thousands die every year because of illnesses carried in polluted water or because they do not have clean water for personal hygiene.
For example, government agencies that aretrying to improve their water and sanitation sometimes rely on IIED data whencreating or monitoring projects. Martin Mulenga, an official of IIED, says theorganization documents selected projects designed by and for local communities.It also takes into account the needs, perceptions and coping strategies ofpeople using these facilities. IIED is currently working withgroups based in Ghana, Angola, Argentina, Pakistan and India. ?Thefive organizations were chosen because they have been involved with theprovision of water and sanitation and some of their involvement has been verycreative. The Orangi pilot project inPakistan, for instance, has been able to work with local communities in comingup with low-cost sewer systems. They are low cost because the communities areinvolved in the building of these sewer systems so it does not cost thegovernment a lot of money to implement.? Hesaid other projects include building community toilets in India with fundsgenerated by the community and local authorities. Local people are trained tomanage these facilities. Lessonsfrom the project will be made available for possible use in other communities.Mulenga said, ?We are hoping that through this project we are able to documentwhatever innovations we come across through the use of videos, books and otherpublications.? Poorurban communities do not need to replicate these innovations exactly. He says,?We feel that the information that they will get will be able to inspire themin coming up with solutions that will suit their own circumstances.?