The Australian government welcomed a report [1] that highlights the sanitation and water challenges facing developing countries in the South East Asia & Pacific region. The report by a coalition of academic and non-government organisations, including the Institute for Sustainable Futures and WaterAid Australia, was released to mark World Water Day, 22 March 2009. “Meeting the Sanitation and Water Challenge in South East Asia and the Pacific” outlines priorities and actions for tackling the challenge of scaling up access to sanitation. The report was produced following the Sanitation and Water Conference held in Melbourne in October 2008.

“The outcomes from this conference have helped develop the [Australian] Government’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy and the related $300 million [US$ 212 million = € 159 million] Access to Clean Water and Effective Sanitation Initiative,” Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Mr Bob McMullan, said. This initiative will increase the Government’s focus on meeting the challenges of sanitation and water supply in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa and will also support water and sanitation infrastructure in schools.

[1] Read the report here.

Web sites:

• World Vision Australia - Sanitation and Water Conference 2008
• AusAID - Water & Sanitation

Source: AusAID, 22 Mar 2009

Tags: east asia & pacific, policies & legislation, sanitation, water supply