Water issues run deep

For Rotary, March is “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month”. The provision of clean water, sanitation and hygiene is one of Rotary’s six focus areas to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.

Sometimes the need is acute and urgent, for instance when a community has been devastated by a natural disaster. In such cases, organisations such as Aquabox (https://www.aquabox. org), set up by Rotarians nearly 30 years ago, can help virtually immediately by providing water filters, ensuring that clean and safe drinking water is available, as well as other humanitarian aid.

In other places or at other times the need is a long-term one. It is well established that when people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, and children stay healthier and attend school more regularly. Mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. Rotarians design and carry out projects to ensure the provision of clean water and access to proper toilet facilities, especially (but not exclusively) in schools. This is not a matter of building a well and walking away. Expertise is shared with local community leaders and educators, to ensure the long-term success of projects.

For more information on Rotary contact secretary@rotary1020.org