World Water Day – 22 March 2016

Today [22 March 2016} marks International World Water Day – a reminder to focus attentions on the importance of access to clean, freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Water is so much more than just a drink: it’s needed for health, food and cleanliness to stop the spreading of diseases. A person can only survive on average three days without water, and if the water they have is dirty or contaminated, fatal diseases spread quickly and the effects are devastating.

While the media focuses on wars and conflict, lack of clean water is silently killing one child every single minute.

As we commemorate International World Water Day, South Africa is focused on sustainable management of fresh water resources as we are amidst a serious water shortage.

The recent Budget review stated that South Africa is in the midst of its worst drought in at least two decades, threatening the agricultural output as well as an increase in food prices.

Rain levels have been low this year, leading to drought and water scarcity across the country. Thus far, five out of the nine provinces have been declared disaster areas, namely: Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

Although there have been heavy rainfall in the drought-hit areas, these have resulted in flash as well as localised floods, and although some rain has fallen, the current drought in South Africa is still very severe.

Islamic Relief believes in giving water for life.

When we build a water system, we want to ensure that after we leave, the locals never need to ask for help accessing water again.

Islamic Relief South Africa would like to commemorate World Water Day by showcasing our water related projects.  Our most current projects, both international and local, involve:

•  A borehole is currently being installed in an impoverished community in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. This would ensure easy access to safe clean water.
• A water well project is near completion in rural Dambe village in Mali. This water project will directly benefit well over 1000 people.
• A water project is being rolled out to 13 vulnerable schools in the Gaza strip, Palestine.  Along with this water project, Islamic Relief is also conducting Hygiene Awareness Sessions for the students.

A total of:

• 12,697 students will benefit from reliable and safe drinking water.
• 47,000 students will benefit from hygiene awareness.
• 1440 mothers will benefit from health and hygiene awareness.

For more information on our current water projects and planned interventions, please visit www.islamic-relief.org.za or call our national call centre toll free: 0800 111 898.