Speaking today at the launch of The Small Towns Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program, AusAID’s First Assistant Director General, Margaret McKinnon said the donation which will run for 3 years is expected to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by water borne diseases.
“ Lack of clean water and access to sanitation services are serious health risks and impact negatively on quality of life. This program brings Australia’s total commitment to the Zimbabwean water and sanitation sector since 2009 to over $127million. Our grant is aimed at saving lives, we don’t want people to die from water borne diseases” she said.
The grant which will be administered by United Nations Children Fund will benefit Bindura, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Chivhu, Gokwe, Gwanda, Hwange, Karoi, Mutoko, Mvurwi, Plumtree, Rusape, Shurugwi and Zvishavane.
Minister of Local Government, Urban and Rural Development Ignatius Chombo admitted that there has been partial maintenance of obsolete sewerage and water infrastructure resulting in the decline of services in the past years.
“ We have been facing serious financial constraints and we have not be able to maintain our water infrastructure.However this is an issue that remain crucial to my ministry. Last week we asked the Treasurer to avail $16 million for the rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems in Harare only.
“I urge local authorities without dedicated power lines to their water and sewage treatment plants should consider adopting same to curb the problems of unreliable power supplies,” he said.
According to UNICEF about 27 percent of the population does not have access to safe water whilst 40percent have no access to safe sanitation.
Cholera outbreaks in 2008 and 2009 claimed more than 4 000 lives and affected nearly 100,000 people.
Post published in: News
excellent coz we dont want people to die again