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United Nations: Water Key to Sustainable Development


Water woes in Zimbabwe
Water woes in Zimbabwe
The world Friday commemorated World Water Day with United Nations secretary general Ban Ki Moon urging nations to conserve water for future generations.

In his 2013 Water Fay message, Ki Moon said water holds the key to sustainable development.

Some Zimbabweans said there is little to celebrate on World Water Day as few people have access to clean water.

Ward 13 councillor Peter Moyo of Harare said the city faces serious water challenges including non-payment of bills by local residents making it difficult for the local authority to provide enough clean water.

Roderick Fayayo, director of Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, said the situation is worse in the city as tapes always run dry.

Mr. Fayayo said it is worsened by lack of government’s seriouness on the implementation of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project.

The United Nations estimates that 783 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water, while 2.5 billion do not have access to adequate sanitation.

Activities to mark the day in Zimbabwe were held at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls, where Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khuphe urged stakeholders to come up with innovative approaches to the country’s water and sanitation problems.

Local authority officials, Water Minister Sam Sipepa-Nkomo and other government officials attended the commemorations.

Victoria Falls mayor Nkosilathi Jiyane told VOA Studio 7 the deputy prime minister also officially launched the country’s water policy.
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