Since 2001 the Water Affairs Department of RSA has observed World Toilet Day (WTD) on the 19th of  November. One of the main purposes foro observing this day is to raise awareness and responsibility as well as increase the quality of sanitation service delivery projects and eradication of sanitation service backlogs to the poor. To read more about this event on water affairs, go to LINK: WORLD TOILET DAY OBSERVANCE

On Nov. 9, 2009 , The African  Ministers’  Council  on  Water  (AMCOW)   named  winners  of  Africa’s  premier  awards  for  exemplary  achievements  in  sanitation  and  hygiene.   Among those groups and individuals awarded are His Royal  Highness  Chief  Macha,  a  traditional  and  community  leader  from  Zambia. Professor  Albert  Wright,  a teacher, researcher innovator , investment advisor, policy advisor, inspiration and mentor, who  for  more  than  four  decades  has  made  significant  contributions  to  strategic  development  of  water,  sanitation  and  hygiene  at  global,  African  and  national  levels.  Ethiopia  Water  Supply,  Sanitation  and  Hygiene  (WASH)  Movement,  a  multi‐stakeholder  coalition  that  has  been  exceptionally  successful  in  promoting  behavioural  change  on  water,  sanitation  and  hygiene,  and  increase  the  political  and  social  commitment  for  progress  in  these  areas.  Dr  Peter  Morgan,  a  Zimbabwean  national,  who  for  four  decades  has  provided  Africa  with  the  most  innovative  technical  ideas  in  sanitation  and  hygiene  directly  affecting poor  people.  His  Royal  Highness  Prince  Willem‐Alexander  for  his  global  leadership  role  in  advancing  the  cause  of  improved  sanitation  and  hygiene.

To following press release recongnizes all AMCOW African San Awards 2009 Winners

Childcare Worldwide is a Christian interdenominational non-profit organization working in developing countries for over 25 years, “Helping Children Survive and Succeed” through child sponsorship.

Childcare is also involved in projects that improve access to clean water and sanitation. For example recently in Nakuru, Kenya, Childcare supported the Kaimiana Elementary school and the surrounding village with a well. Now 10,000 people have access to clean, safe drinking water. At the Lake Victoria Children’s Village, in Uganda, Childcare provided the John Milne Living Water Well. Now the children have safe, clean, drinking water.

To find out more about the programs generated and supported by Childcare Worldwide, including LifeStraw Water Filter System, bringing clean water to individual families, or the “Walk for Water” Event coming this Spring 2010, please visit the organization’s website at the following link.

LINK: CHILDCARE WORLDWIDE

Earlier this year, Nature magazine website presented a special collection of water articles and features with the title, “Water: Under Pressure.” Highlights in the series include:

• An assessment of how much water is actually usable or available on our planet.
• Editorial about water shortages and their threat on humanity
• Special report on the potential of desalination
• Series of new features on sanitation, impact on food crops and crop failures and water purification.
• New feature article on the opposition to a new waterway project in Korea.
• Podcast interview about water purification technologies
• Research review on science and technology: for ways to integrate water and energy planning
• Essay on the theory of liquid water structure
• Reviews on film about water policy and the switch from State-run to privatization and of an art exhibition on water works and diffusing ink.

 Please note that some material is accessible only to subscribers.

 Link: Special Water Issue by Nature magazine