'Barriers need to be addressed' to solve water problems

18 August 2009

To solve issues regarding unsafe drinking water and poor sanitisation, problems affecting the specific area in question need to be addressed.

Jae So is a manager for the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) and made this comment after the organisation released a report on the topic.

Called Guidance Notes on Services for the Urban Poor, it looked at ways to help people living in deprived locations - such as African regions - improve their quality of life.

Mr So noted millions of individuals live without safe drinking water or access to improved sanitation systems.

He added there was no one-size-fits all solution, as problems vary from place to place.

Water and sanitation specialist Dennis Mwanza commented it was not always right for project designers and service providers to assume they know what the deprived want or are willing to pay for.

"Giving the poor the opportunity to participate in planning and design can mean the difference between success and failure," he said.

WSP currently works to support 25 countries.

Category: Water