Source South Asia 2008, issue 9

Published - 13 Oct 08

Quotes

Mashqura Begum, sanitation campaigner in West Bengal, India

Some women gave and others complained that their husbands beat them up on learning that the money was being given for constructing a toilet

Afghanistan: El Tor cholera claims 17 deaths

An outbreak of El Tor cholera has claimed at least 17 lives in northern, eastern and southeastern Afghanistan in recent weeks. Over 1,000 people have been treated for diarrhoea and vomiting.

Afghanistan, Kabul: solid waste escalating out of control

Solid waste is accumulating in and around the Afghan capital Kabul, presenting a health hazard to local residents and damage to the environment.

Bangladesh: market place misses out in sanitation for all campaign

With development efforts in Bangladesh usually aimed at urban or rural contexts, market places tend to fall in the grey area between the two. Despite the large numbers of people who congregate there sanitation facilities are usually woefully inadequate.

Bhutan: rural water supply schemes falling into disrepair

A survey by Bhutan's health ministry shows that up to 65% of the country's rural water supply schemes are in need of repair. A little over 12% are not functioning at all, presenting a risk of contamination.

India: on course for total sanitation by 2016

India is on course to achieve total sanitation nationwide by 2016. With open defecation still a serious problem, the latest developments are a boost for the government's Total Sanitation Campaign.

India: 11th Five Year Plan aims for 100% urban sanitation

The Indian government has included 100% urban sanitation as a goal in its 11th Five-Year Plan. Its ultimate aim is for people in urban areas to have access to safe sanitation facilities by 2012.

India, New Delhi: cold carts help improve quality of life for manual scavengers

Manual scavengers in New Delhi have been given cold carts so that they can sell fruit and vegetables. The initiative will increase their income and improve the quality of their lives.

India, Madhya Pradesh: winning the battle for dignity

Dalit (untouchable) women in Madhya Pradesh have successfully campaigned against being forced to live as scavengers. They now have their dignity and self-respect back.

Pakistan, NWFP: current status of water and sanitation-related MDGs

The Water and Sanitation Program-South Asia (WSP-SA) office in Islamabad, Pakistan, has researched the current status of water and sanitation related MDGs in the North West Frontier Province.

Pakistan: CWS projects improve water supplies and awareness

The Church World Service (CWS) is running a series of innovative water supply projects in Pakistan that combine infrastructure development with awareness-raising programmes.

Douglas and Zeta Jones accept US$1.9 million donation for children's water and sanitation projects

Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones accepted a donation for US $1.9 million in Dubai on 6 October on behalf of the charity Free the Children. The money is to be used to help provide clean water for underprivileged children.

Ahmed Abdullah, longest serving government minister in the Maldives, resigns

Ahmed Abdullah, longest serving government minister in the Maldives, has resigned over differences in 'thinking, beliefs and policies'. Environment minister Abdullah had served in the cabinet since 1993.

JICA reborn as sole provider of Japanese ODA

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been restructured and is now the sole provider of the country's official development assistance.

Chief of Water and Sanitation Programme, DACAAR, Afghanistan [re-announcement]

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 Tuesday 28 October 2008

Senior technical advisor for water and sanitation, Canadem, Afghanistan

Canadem is looking for a senior technical advisor for water and sanitation for its new office in Afghanistan.

Apply before Wednesday 31 December 2008

WatSan projects manager, Medair, Afghanistan

Medair is looking for a WatSan projects manager, based in Kabul but with frequent travel to WatSan field sites.

Apply before Friday 31 October 2008

WES Specialist, UNICEF, India

UNICEF seeks a WES Specialist in Bhopal, India to facilitate and influence state government policy and implement WES sector plans and projects

Apply before Thursday 23 October 2008

Chief, Water and Environmental Sanitation, UNICEF, Pakistan

UNICEF is seeking a Chief of Water and Environmental Sanitation for its office in Islamabad, Pakistan to develop, plan, implement and manage its country WES programme.

Apply before Wednesday 29 October 2008

Privatisation revisited: lessons from private sector participation in water supply and sanitation

A study by the Asian Development Bank shows that private sector participation has not shown encouraging results in the water supply and sanitation sector. In particular, private resources have not been adequately mobilised to solve problems in the sector.

Hygiene: survey of handwashing practices in Bangladesh

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) has conducted a survey of handwashing practices in the country, with the primary objective of promoting handwashing at key moments.

Risk surveys: targeting appropriate interventions to minimize deterioration of drinking-water quality in developing countries

Drinking-water in developing countries frequently becomes recontaminated after collection and during storage. This study proposes a ‘disease risk index’ (DRI) to reduce the risk of consuming recontaminated drinking-water.