UNICEF receives US$8 million for water and sanitation from Australian government
SYDNEY, 24 March 2010 – In a bold move to avert another cholera outbreak, the Australian Government has allocated US$8 million (AU$8.7 million) to UNICEF to improve the provision of safe water and sanitation across Zimbabwe.
Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith said the $8 million towards UNICEF, which is part of a US$13 million (AU$14.1 million) grant would greatly aid the work with local authorities to build water infrastructure and services. "This will increase access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services for over two million people in urban and rural areas, including Zimbabwe's second largest city, Bulawayo," Mr. Smith said.
“We are grateful for this generous support from the Australian government,” said UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Peter Salama. “It is a critical investment towards the people of Zimbabwe and will build on and strengthen current work to prevent cholera and revitalise the water and sanitation sector.”
The support, which will benefit over three million Zimbabweans, comes at a critical time as the country tries to rehabilitate dilapidated water and sanitation services. This dilapidation led to an unprecedented cholera outbreak, resulting in over 100 000 cases and 4,200 deaths last year. The urban rehabilitation program is already showing results, since this year there has been only 99 cases of cholera and three deaths. However the situation of water and sanitation in both urban and rural Zimbabwe remains fragile and requires investment.
In urban areas there are frequent sewer blockages, dysfunctional water treatment plants, lack of treatment chemicals and many distribution systems in dire need of repair. For instance most urban areas, currently pump water to as low as 50 per cent of capacity and of that at least 45 per cent is lost in transit. While 74 per cent of the city's health facilities are without a continuous water supply. In addition solid waste disposal collection has ceased in many urban areas resulting in rotting refuse.
Many rural boreholes and hand pumps – the mainstay of the rural water infrastructure – are not functional; while Zimbabwe’s once extensive rural sanitation programme is near collapse. With crumbling structures, full latrine pits, lack of cement, an estimated 50 per cent of rural populations have reverted to open defecation, a serious health threat.
The grant, from the Australian Government shall ensure that rehabilitation is carried out in urban areas through rehab of physical infrastructure; support to 20 local authorities in the procurement of water treatment chemicals and improved water and sanitation to schools and health facilities in high risk areas.
Key specific activities will include:
- Emergency rehabilitation of water and supply system in at least 15 towns and growth points
- Procurement of the two critical water treatment chemicals to the country’s 20 urban councils, for an additional period as agreed with councils
- Rehabilitation of 2,000 rural water sources (boreholes/pumps) in 20 most at-risk districts
- Increased Hygiene Education in at least 20 at-risk districts.
Over the last year the Government of Australia, through its development arm AusAid, has invested an estimated $10 million in UNICEF including $2 million for the Education Transition Fund, the latter aimed at quality education in Zimbabwe.
“This level of investment by the Australian government in women and children during a period of transition is historic,” added Dr Salama “As UNICEF we are encouraged that the people of Australia see the immense opportunities that this period presents for children and women.”
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For more information, please contact:
Martin Thomas, UNICEF Australia
0401 332 399
mthomas@unicef.org.au
Martha Tattersall, UNICEF Australia
0421 570 393
mtattersall@unicef.org.au