Sustainable provision of water and sanitation services is an important precondition for human well-being and healthy living conditions. However, in many countries service provision is in a devastating condition. Especially for the poor people living in rural regions and in urban slum areas, clean water and appropriate sanitation facilities are not available. Infectious diseases, diarrhea and even cholera are therefore prevalent in these poorly served areas.

GIZ contributes to improved water and sanitation services and increased access with a special focus on the underserved poor. We advise governments in more than 40 countries on how to design framework conditions in the water and sanitation sector – including regulation – and on establishing effective water utilities. Furthermore, GIZ promotes participation of civil society in decision-making processes in water resources management.

Further information

Links

• Football stars promote safe drinking water and hygiene
  www.wash-united.org
• World Water Week 2010
  www.worldwaterweek.org