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Africa: Investing in Sanitation is a Goldmine
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East African Business Week (Kampala)
EDITORIAL
25 February 2008
Posted to the web 25 February 2008
Kampala
Expert reports indicate that countries worldwide are failing to invest in sanitation, a sector that yields $9 worth of benefits for every $1 spent. 2008 is the UN's international year of sanitation, did you know that? Well here are some statistics!
Meeting the global sanitation goal which is to halve the number of people without access to a toilet by 2015 would cost a whopping $39 billion, but yield $347 billion worth of benefits.
In 2006, tourism generated approximately US$ 6,477 billion of economic activity, accounting for 10.3% of global Gross Domestic Product and 234 million jobs worldwide (8.7 % of total employment).
This high revenue is closely linked to good sanitation levels. Health, safety and comfort standards as well as aesthetic considerations heavily influence the choice of a holiday destination. This is according to information from the Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), Switzerland.
The UN-Water Task Force on Sanitation is launching a campaign to involve stakeholders and obtain political commitment to invest in sustainable sanitation services in developing countries.
Once again research statistics have presented the world community with valuable information that if put to good use could dramatically change the lives of the suffering and underprivileged.
What better chance therefore for developing countries especially to evaluate their spending options and priorities in this often overlooked sector. Experts also say that hygienic, private toilets in homes and schools bring economic benefits for households, communities and nations in several ways, some of them psychologically, which breeds confidence and ultimately a productive attitude.
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It is credible to argue that there is a huge need for a big paradigm shift in countries and societies when they are making their investment options. Many developing countries are ramping up education spending to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets for primary and secondary school enrolment. Having children stay in school is a huge opportunity for moving towards achieving the millennium development goal of universal primary education.
Right now, it is early in the year and countries in East Africa usually have their joint budgets read out by mid year. It would be very prudent therefore for a strong shout from now on from civil societies, legislators, media and ultimately government so that sanitation gets a huge chip-in cut in the financial budget for 2008/2009.
We can then carry on from there if we start, however small a beginning!
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