An international award for EThekwini‘s water conservation and sanitation

Durban‘s outstanding efforts to save water and improve sanitation has recently been acknowledged by the United Nations.   A Water for Life best price award” was handed over by the UN Secretary General BanKi–moon acknowledging the city’s efforts in raising awareness about water conservation and improving sanitation.

 An award was received by Teddy Gounden, Deputy Head of EThekwini Water Sanitation in Spain last month.  Durban has made a remarkable reduction of diarrhoea by 30 percent in some of the poorest areas. This was done by providing sanitation facilities and raising awareness on health and hygiene practices.

The award also recognises the city’s effort to reduce cholera outbreaks together with blockages in toilets and sewage pipes.

 Amongst many success stories in Durban, there has been a notable reduction of lost revenue for water from 40 percent to 29 percent, including the reduction of illegal connections.  EThekwini   has successfully encouraged, especially the poor households, to reduce their water bills while using water more efficiently.

We salute the city for competing so successfully with 70 cities of developing and developed countries.

Contact : hlengiwec@wrc.org.za