METROPOLITAN WATER BUSINESS BECOME WATERAID AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION MEMBERS
14 December 2004
Three of Melbourne’s water authorities today announced they had become foundation members of WaterAid Australia and would take part in Operation 15, a community awareness and fundraising program to provide safe water, sanitation and knowledge of good hygiene practice to some of the world’s poorest communities.
Approximately 1.1 billion people have no clean drinking water and almost 2.4 billion have no basic sanitation. A child dies approximately every 15 seconds from water-related diseases - this amounts to nearly 6000 deaths every day, which in most cases could easily be prevented.
WaterAid Australia, whose members include all of Australia’s major water companies and organisations involved in the water industry, funds and helps local organisations set up low cost, sustainable projects using appropriate technology which can be managed by the community itself.
Chris Wootton, Chief Executive of WaterAid Australia said, “Combined WaterAid Australia members, including South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water, are directly involved in providing water to some 14 million Australians.
“Clean water is something we take for granted, however over a billion people worldwide do not have access to it and over two billion people lack basic sanitation.
“WaterAid Australia has already implemented projects in PNG, Vietnam and in Nepal to deliver much needed water, sanitation and hygiene education to remote and poor communities.”
Mr Wootton said he was delighted major water companies like South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water recognised the need to support communities for whom clean fresh water and basic sanitation does not exist.
“WaterAid Australia looks forward to their involvement on charitable projects in the years ahead,” Mr Wootton said.
“We will be also looking to involve the community in this special project which will provide us all with an appreciation of the quality of our own water supplies.”
South East Water Managing Director Dennis Cavagna said Operation 15 provided a sharp focus for the fundraising program as one child dies approximately every fifteen seconds from water related diseases. He said initially the water authority’s involvement with WaterAid would include fundraising through various WaterAid committees and staff volunteers.
Tony Kelly, Yarra Valley Water’s Managing Director said, “We support WaterAid because quite simply, water is life and we believe this is one way we may raise awareness of sustainability issues both in Australia and overseas.”
Melbourne Water Acting Managing Director Grant Wilson said Melbourne Water shared these values and had joined WaterAid to support communities in developing countries.
“WaterAid is a charity organisation working with some of the world’s poorest communities, helping them to provide clean water and good sanitation with the aim of bringing long lasting improvements to their lives.”
WaterAid Australia derives its membership from more than 43 water associations and industry participants across Australia. Organisations and individuals wanting to become involved locally in WaterAid Australia’s Operation 15 should go to www.wateraid.org.au.
South East Water.
Yarra Valley Water.