Water is vitally important
Most of us take clean water for granted. However, for 1 billion people in other parts of the world, it is often a luxury. Access to drinking water may be non-existent or limited to unsafe drinking water.
Millennium Development Goals
The Millennium Development Goals were adopted by all countries in the UN to eradicate world poverty and achieve fairer distribution of prosperity and wealth within 15 years. Other goals are to reduce child mortality and improve healthcare and education worldwide.
In February 2005, the Minister for Development Cooperation pledged that the Netherlands would guarantee sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for 50 million people by 2015. Governments and development aid organisations will naturally be involved, but industry will also participate in this process.
Contribution by Vitens
Vitens, in cooperation with Evides, wants to contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Vitens feels a responsibility to share its knowledge and experience and help improve the drinking water supply in other parts of the world. Our aim is to provide access to better drinking water and sanitation for 4 people in developing countries for every customer by 2010.
Principles
The principles for the international activities pursued by Vitens are the following:
- urban drinking water supply
- a focus on management and improvement in management
- sharing knowledge and experience
- no investments in infrastructure
Financing
The budget for these international activities is € 2 million, with Vitens and Evides both contributing € 1 million. In addition, Vitens International appeals to donors who support international water projects. Activities are financed: