Examples of GIZ’s work: Clean water for more than 105 million people

20.03.2015 – Access to clean water and sanitation is a human right, but it is still not a reality for all. GIZ is working around the world to ensure comprehensive access to these services. In Kenya, for instance.

Many people in emerging economies and developing countries still suffer the consequences of inadequate water supply and sanitation. This leads to disastrous hygiene conditions, particularly in poor urban areas. As a result, infectious diseases, such as diarrhoea and cholera, can spread quickly and in the worst case lead to death. On behalf of the German Federal Government, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is supporting 82 projects in 50 countries around the world in order to improve water supply and sanitation services.

In Kenya, for example, GIZ is carrying out a water-sector reform programme on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The people living in the urban slums of Kenya are combating the problems mentioned above. They often rely on informal suppliers, who provide water at excessively high prices. The unregulated disposal of wastewater and faeces presents a considerable risk to health and the environment.

GIZ is supporting the responsible state institutions and water utilities in Kenya in their efforts to improve access to safe water and basic sanitation for the urban poor. High population growth is increasing the pressure on water supplies and scarce water resources, particularly in the cities. However, much progress has been made. 'Among the poor population, the programme has so far provided 1,600,000 people with drinking water and more than 150,000 with sanitary facilities,' explained Dirk Schäfer, Programme Manager. He said that the Trust Fund, which is supported in cooperation with the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), was playing a particularly important role in providing services specifically for the poor and in supporting water utilities in supplying poor areas.

GIZ is advising about 410 water and wastewater utilities around the world on improving their services. Over 105 million people are benefiting from improved service quality through GIZ's support.