News
Michael in Mozambique
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| Michael Eavis with a simple, cheap but effective rope pump which WaterAid promotes in Mozambique. |
| Credit: WaterAid / Suzanne Porter |
Michael Eavis, the man behind the Glastonbury Festival, went on a fact-finding trip to Mozambique in November, keen to see how the money donated by the festival is spent by WaterAid.
From the capital Maputo, he travelled up to the northern province of Niassa, where the problems of water and sanitation are most acute - 70% of people here have no safe water to drink.
Aside from hosting the festival, first and foremost Michael is a farmer, and was clearly inspired by the difference that WaterAid's composting latrines make to the local people - not only in terms of sanitation and hygiene, but in the sheer boost to the crops.
He was also impressed by Massukos, one of Mozambique's most popular bands, formed by our partner organisation Estamos, who include messages about safe water, sanitation and good hygiene in their songs.
WaterAid will have a big presence at the Glastonbury Festival again this year, allowing us to raise awareness of the importance of safe water and sanitation - when finding a decent loo is at the front of festival-goers' minds!
Look out for a full feature on Michael's visit and the Festival in the next edition of Oasis.
Find out more about WaterAid and the Glastonbury festival.
Sophie's call for better sanitation
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| "Now the latrines are so close to our houses that even if you are ill you can go to the toilet," says Sophie Zongo. |
| Credit: WaterAid / Suzanne Porter |
In Burkina Faso WaterAid held a World Toilet Day event with a photo exhibition, drama and presentations to raise awareness of the fact that 30 percent of the population don't have safe sanitation.
Sophie Zongo from Bayandi Palogo was among the speakers. She not only described her life before having safe water and sanitation, but also asked for more to be done to help stop children dying because they lack good sanitation and hygiene.
"Before, everyone had to go to the toilet in nature," she explains. "The flies used to go into the faeces and come in to the houses. They brought dirtiness and illness. Now the latrines are so close. We feel better because our dignity is preserved and we are protected from disease."
The event, which was attended by 75 representatives from different organisations, provided an opportunity to call for improvements and a national budget for sanitation to ensure more people like Sophie gain access to the safe sanitation they need.
UK Government recognises the right to water
On the day that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched its 2006 Report, Beyond scarcity: power, poverty and the global water crisis, the UK announced its decision to recognise the human right to water.
International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said the "announcement adds Britain's voice to the call for every human being to have access to a sufficient, affordable and safe water supply." He added that "in many developing countries, water companies supply the rich with subsidised water but often don't reach poor people at all. Recognising the right to water will help change this and allow all citizens to demand more of their governments."
WaterAid and its partners have tirelessly campaigned to achieve this recognition and welcome the Government's decision. We are now urging the UK to work with other governments to achieve the right of water and sanitation for all.
Read more about the recognition of the right to water
Collaborative action in Tanzania
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| School children collecting water from a tapstand in Kashishi Village. |
| Credit: WaterAid / Brent Stirton |
Following pressure from WaterAid positive changes have taken place in Tanzania which will help more of the country's poorest people gain access to water and sanitation.
A wide range of organisations and Government ministries involved in water and sanitation provision have established a working group to increase coordination and dialogue. This links with the wider five year US$951 million Water Sector Development Programme in the country.
This is a major collaborative attempt to increase investment and to bring all developmental activity for water and sanitation within a single planning and financing framework.
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