Source South Asia 2008, issue 7

Published - 15 Sep 08

Bangladesh

Bangladesh, Dhaka: panning for gold in Tanti Bazaar's sewers

The sewers in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, are providing an income for a small group of gold-seekers. The men pan for specks of the precious metal in the city's drains.

Bangladesh: rural sanitation coverage up to 88 per cent, government says

Sanitation coverage in rural areas of Bangladesh has increased to 88%, compared to 33% in the baseline year 2003. There are, however, fears that the 100% target for 2010 may not be achieved due to natural calamities.

Bhutan, Thimphu: first case of dengue fever in capital

The first ever case of dengue fever has been detected in the Bhutan capital, Thimphu. The hospital has treate dengue patients before, but all from outside the city.

India, Andhra Pradesh: total sanitation and more

In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, the national Total Sanitation Campaign has inspired communities to work together to improve their living environment in other ways.

India, Bihar: children in flood-relief camps dying because of contaminated water

Children living in relief camps after serious flooding in northern India are dying because of contaminated water and bad sanitation facilities. Save the Children says the death toll is least 32.

India, Rajasthan: community water pollution monitoring in Pali

The Centre for Science and Environment has launched a programme in the textile town of Pali to enable the community to monitor water pollution in the local area. The results will be used to promote improved pollution management.

Nepal: World Bank provides US$ 27 million for rural water and sanitation project

The World Bank is providing a grant of US$ 27 million to scale up the Second Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project as part of an agreement to support the peace process in Nepal and enhance the delivery of basis services.

Nepal: survey finds 47% of water in Kathmandu Valley 'unsafe'

A survey of drinking water in households in the Kathmandu Valley has discovered that 47% of piped water contains insufficient chlorine to make it safe to drink.

Nepal: Ecosan toilets improve quality of life and of river water

Ecosan toilets are improving people's lives and the quality of river water in Nepal. An estimated 1,000 Ecosan toilets have been built, mainly in Kathmandu Valley.

Pakistan, Islamabad: alarming fall in water table

The water supply to Pakistan's capital Islamabad has come under pressure after the groundwater level dropped by almost 21 metres.

Pakistan: IDPs in camps risk cholera

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Pakistan's border area with Afghanistan are facing cholera in camps where water and sanitation are seriously inadequate.

Sri Lanka: Tangalle water supply scheme brings safe water to thousands

The Tangalle water supply scheme, opened at the end of August 2008, will bring safe drinking water thousands of people in southern Sri Lanka. The government project is being run in cooperation with UNICEF.

Sri Lanka, Central Province: opening of Wegala water supply scheme

On 5 September 2008, the Wegala Water Supply Scheme was officially opened. The scheme, supported by the World Bank, was implemented by local NGO Pradeshiya Sabha.

Madagascar: President determined to solve sanitation and water problem

President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar was the only president in the world who attended the 2008 World Water Week held in Stockholm, Sweden. At the opening session he said that he had set the sanitation and safe drinking water problem as top priorities in his country.

G8: disappointment at lack of “a breakthrough in the global sanitation and water crisis”

Hopes of a "breakthrough in the global sanitation and water crisis" at the 2008 Hokkaido Toyako G8 summit were "dashed as the G8 delivered a communiqué largely devoid of concrete actions to help the 2.6 billion people lacking access to a safe toilet, and the 1.1 billion people lacking access to clean water", according to End Water Poverty coalition.

Sanitation: slow progress, action crucial, say 2400 experts in Stockholm

Slow progress on sanitation will cause the world to badly fail the Millennium Development Goals while weak policy, poor management, increasing waste and exploding water demands are pushing the planet towards the tipping point of global water crisis. Action is crucial, stakes are high and time is running out were key messages coming from the 2008 World Water Week in Stockholm.

Quamrul Islam Siddique dies in US

Quamrul Islam Siddique, former Secretary at the Bangladesh Ministry of Works and Housing, died on 1 September 2008 in New Jersey, USA.

Global Sanitation Fund: Barry M. Jackson selected Programme Manager

Mr. Barry M. Jackson, a British national with extensive experience in sanitation and in pro-poor financing for development, is the first Programme Manager of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council’s (WSSCC) new financing mechanism, the Global Sanitation Fund .

Advertising: Belgian water campaign wins award at Cannes Lions 2008 advertising festival

A “viral”campaign, organised by the Belgian radio station Studio Brussels and the Red Cross, to raise money for drinking water projects, has won a prestigious “Titanium Lion” award at the Cannes Lions 2008 International Advertising Festival.

Water Integrity Network: Teun Bastemeijer new manager

Teun Bastemeijer is the new manager of the Water Integrity Network (WIN) as of April 2008.

Chief of Water and Sanitation Programme, DACAAR, Afghanistan

DACAAR is seeking candidates for the post of Chief of its Water and Sanitation Programme in Afghanistan. It is offering a contract of one year, with a possibility of extension.

Apply before Sunday 28 September 2008

Water, Environment and Sanitation Officer, UNICEF, Pakistan

UNICEF Pakistan is looking for a Water, Environment and Sanitation (WES) Officer for its office in Muzaffarabad. The WES Officer will coordinate with the government, NGOs, counterparts and local authorities.

Apply before Sunday 21 September 2008

3-day training course on the production, installation, operation and maintenance of rope pumps

Puducherry & Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India, 23-25 September 2008

3-day training course on the production, installation, operation and maintenance of rope pumps in South India.

Scaling-up: key lessons for up-scaling and out-scaling of UK-funded development research

Key lessons for up-scaling and out-scaling research based on 19 key reviews, summaries and reports detailing natural resources research funded the UK Department for International Development (DFID)

Infant mortality: handwashing can save newborn lives

A study conducted in Nepal has found a significantly lower risk of death among newborns when birth attendants and mothers wash their hands before delivery.

Groundwater pollution: sanitary inspection of tubewells in Bangladesh unreliable

A study of methods used to check the quality of water from tubewells in Bangladesh shows that they are unable to identify low levels of contamination with faecal organisms.

Household environmental health: Water Pasteurization through Improved Cooking Stove (WAPIC)

The Environmental and Public Health Organisation has started research into a Water Pasteurization through Improved Cooking Stove (WAPIC). The WAPIC will address two of the biggest health risks facing children in Nepal, indoor air pollution and unsafe drinking water.