Water for the World celebrates 10th anniversary

Access to water and sanitation is a basic human right but according to estimates of the United Nations (UN), at least 1.8 billion people have to drink contaminated water, while 2.4 billion people lack basic sanitation such as toilets or latrines. This contributes to nearly 1,000 children dying each day due to preventable diseases and is a major hurdle for the development of both people and nations.

 

The UN has therefore identified access to water and sanitation as one of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. By 2030, it wants to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, ensure access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene, and end open defecation.

 

The Water for the World programme looks to advance solutions, expertise and know-how to address the global water challenge in local communities, as well as internationally.  To do this, Water for the World focuses on three areas: 1) Improving access to safe water and sanitation through local projects; 2) Preserving water resources by advancing sustainable water management best practices; and 3) Raising awareness in communities and across the value chain.

 

 

To maximise the benefit it brings, Water for the World works in partnership with NGOs and the private sector, including the partners and customers of Borealis and Borouge. Since its launch 10 years ago, Water for the World and its partners have carried out numerous projects across Asia and Africa, including in India, Pakistan, Nepal, China, Ethiopia and Kenya, benefiting the lives of around 800,000 people. 

 

Among the many examples of the programme’s work, notable projects include providing safe and affordable drinking water to around 50,000 of the poorest people in Nairobi, Kenya. This is the programme’s largest ever project and was carried out in partnership with Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) and OFID, the OPEC Fund for International Development. A follow-up project in Mozambique is currently being prepared. It also improved water and sanitation facilities for 124,000 patients and workers at Thach Ha District Hospital, in one of Vietnam’s poorest provinces. Water for the World joined with Borouge’s local agent Han Huy Trading and Singapore-based NHO Lien Aid, to carry out this work. Another was installing new water supply systems serving more than 5,000 people, after monsoon rains destroyed much of the infrastructure in mountain villages in Northern Pakistan. This project was in conjunction with Pakistan NGO HEED.