Despite progress so far made by the United States (U.S) government to improve water security globally, 1.5 and two billion people still lack access to water that is safe to drink, while over two billion people lack access to basic sanitation, US Special Coordinator for Water Resources from the Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science, Mr. Aaron A. Salzberg, has said.
Speaking at a telephonic press briefing on water resource management in Africa, Salzberg said the proportion of people who lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation is particularly high in Africa, especially in poor and rural populations.
The Special Coordinator for Water Resources, who spoke on “Earth Day 2016: Water for the World Act and Water Issues in Africa,” said lack of safe water, sanitation, and basic hygiene remains one of the leading causes of death in children under five, and a major source of both physical and cognitive stunting, which can have a major impact on development outcomes.
“Many countries throughout the world remain water insecure. In other words, they remain at risk of shortages of water, lack of water for drinking, water for food, for industrial use, or are at risk of floods and other water related natural disasters.” Salzberg said
Salzberg, who pointed out that water insecurity is becoming a growing impediment to economic growth, and an increasing source of tension between communities and countries, noted that climate change is exacerbating many of these challenges.
He, however, said the U.S is working globally to improve water security so that people have sustainable supplies of water of sufficient quantity and quality to meet their needs, without living in fear of floods and droughts. “This means increasing access to safe drinking water and sanitation, improving water resources management, and promoting cooperation on shared waters,” he explained.
According to Salzberg, the U.S does this through a number of ways, including capacity building, investment in infrastructure, diplomatic engagement, science and technology cooperation, and through partnerships. “Africa is a particular focus of our efforts on drinking water and sanitation,” he added.
He noted, for instance, that the United States Congress recently passed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act, which made access to drinking water and sanitation a priority for U.S foreign assistance.