March is Water and Sanitation Month.
Water is essential to human life, yet many people take the gift of safe water for granted. Today, 1.1 billion people, nearly 20 percent of the world population, lack access to safe, clean drinking water, and 2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation facilities. Lack of safe water and adequate sanitation exacerbates the spread of preventable waterborne illnesses that result in the death of about 6,000 people every day, the majority of whom are children. Moreover, these circumstances are leading contributors to worldwide poverty and social instability. The Water Resource Group has been appointed to support Rotary’s efforts to address this important global issue.
During the next year, the resource group will provide information to Rotary Clubs and Districts and encourage them to take an active role in programs to develop water and sanitation resources. It will encourage every Rotarian to become aware of water-related issues and every Rotary Clubs to participate in a water or sanitation project. In addition, the resource group will attempt to identify and facilitate major Rotary water projects around the world, and will work to develop guidelines for best practices to support Rotary’s water and sanitation projects.
Footnote: This year the Rotary Club of Moe has donated $3000.00 towards the provision of Skyhydrants which convert impure to pure water for use in third world countries.