Nigerian experts brainstorm on post MDGs water targets

The need for a dedicated goal and targets for water (and sanitation) in the post 2015 development agenda was the subject of discussion as water experts gathered in a meeting facilitated by the Nigeria’s Country Water Partnership, an arm of the Sweden based Global Water Partnership (GWP).

The meeting provided an opportunity for government officials, development partners, private sector, civil society, and citizens to express their views on the role of water in the proposed future sustainable development agenda, which would replace the Millennium Development agenda in 2015.

The Representative of Global Water Partnership at the meeting said: “The purpose of the national consultations is to obtain views from countries on the post-2015 development agenda for water and sustainable development; and to build awareness and examine the country relevance and applicability of the options and recommendation presented in the UN-Water paper on a dedicated goal for water.”

The meeting held against the background of low improved water and sanitation coverage levels.

National estimates indicate that 130,000 under five children die annually from preventable water borne diarrhea disease, 34m Nigerians still daefecate in the open, 103m are without adequate sanitation, while 63m are without access to water.