WSUP is proud to announce that 20 million low-income city-dwellers now have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene, since we began work in major cities across Africa and South Asia.
This has been possible through long-term partnerships with authorities, utilities and businesses in 25 cities, to strengthen the ability of the city to provide services for their citizens.
Clean water and safe sanitation have a powerful impact on people’s lives:
- Children less likely to die as a result of diarrhoeal diseases, or having more chance of reaching their educational potential
- Women not having to risk their safety by using public toilets at night or relieving themselves in the open
- Residents spending less time, and less money, getting hold of water – giving them more disposable income and more opportunities to work.
“Clean water and safe sanitation are fundamental in order to lead healthy lives. And yet, in urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, nearly one in 10 lack access to safe water and more than one in 3 lack access to safe sanitation,” said Neil Jeffery, CEO of WSUP.
“We are delighted to be able to support 20 million people to receive improved services. And we are grateful to all our partners and supporters who have helped us in this journey. But there is so much more to be done. We are determined to scale up our efforts to ensure universal water, sanitation, and hygiene coverage for all residents.”
Here’s what residents are saying about the improved services:
Nilufar, a resident in Dhaka, Bangladesh is pleased with the new toilet in her community:
“I have been living in this area since I was born and since my childhood, we have been using a hanging latrine. During the rainy season we got wet while using the toilet and at night it was not safe to use.”
“Now with this new toilet block our problem has been sorted out. We can use this toilet anytime… it has changed our lives.”
In Antananarivo, Madagascar, new water facilities have made a world of a difference for Ramiaramanana’s family:
“Before the creation of this water kiosk, we had to fetch water from a well, located far from our community. It was not clean.”
“Now, thanks to this kiosk, that problem is solved, and we have safe water near our home.”
But there is still have so much work to do.
Globally, in urban areas, around 143 million people lack a basic water service, and 605 million lack a basic sanitation service.
Stronger service providers, effective policies and regulations, and improved investment into cities can all help tackle this challenge.
Will you support us to drive stronger systems in cities?
Have you also read How five myths prevent increased access to water and sanitation?