The plenary of the Honduran congress has approved the nation’s general water law, which declares access to water a human right. The new legislation updates a framework dating from 1927 and its approval was necessary for the country to access international financing, which will be used to improve quality of life for the poorest segments of the population.

Comprised of more than 100 articles, the law establishes the creation of the national water authority, an autonomous entity that will replace the general water resources authority, operating under natural resources ministry Serna.

Related news:

• Right to water: PLoS editorial promotes it, Californians to get it, Source Weekly, 05 Aug 2009
• Peru: Congress approves water law, Source Weekly, 03 Apr 2009

Related web site: Congreso Nacional de Honduras

Source: BNamericas.com [subscription site], 21 Aug 2009

Tags: latin america & caribbean, policies & legislation, water resources management