WATER: AID THAT WORKS

摘要

There's a lot of skepticism about overseas aid. "How can we be sure that development assistance funds really reach poor communities, and make a difference in people's lives?" people ask. My recent monitoring visits to three water and sanitation projects in Kenya and Zambia reinforced my conviction that, when strong community commitment is combined with appropriate, well-researched technologies, water aid really works. These three projects are funded by AusAID (the Australian Government Agency for International Development), TEAR Australia (an Australian Christian development assistance organisation) and the local implementing partners and communities. All three projects aim to reduce poverty and improve health and living conditions, through the provision of safe water and better sanitation. This they do, but in very different ways. Resting firmly on a foundation of local ownership and participation, each project partner and community has developed a different approach, and found different solutions to their water and sanitation needs. The story of their challenges and successes is an exciting example of what can be achieved, at relatively little cost, in bringing sustainable, long-term development.