World Water Day Sunday March 22, 2009
I would like to share some staggering facts with you in light of the upcoming World Water Day 2009. The single largest cause of sickness in the world can be traced to the lack of safe drinking water and inadequate sanitation. Presently, the Millennium Development Goal of halving, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation will not succeed in Sub-Saharan African and Oceania and will fall 700 million people short of its worldwide goal.
Canada can help turn this situation around by allocating more than the current 2.5% of CIDA’s budget to water and sanitation and prioritizing the establishment of a Water and Sanitation Action Plan. These steps forward would pave clearer path for Canada both internationally and domestically.
That these woefully inadequate water systems in First Nations communities are increasing is a reflection of the neglect that this government has shown here. This means that many First Nations do not have access to safe water for the most basic needs.
Improving access to water and sanitation in developing areas is the simplest way to improve the lives of individuals. If they can access clean water for their basic needs, death rates will be reduced, and the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria can be prevented. Such health improvements mean more children will be able to access primary education; women and girls will have the opportunity to participate more freely in community, education and economic activities; and communities will be more productive and able to generate economic growth. This is one of the most cost-effective and concrete ways to fight poverty at home and abroad.
-Keith
World Water Day Sunday March 22, 2009
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