NEWS in brief
Around Africa
funding for the ongoing Three Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project that is improving water supply infrastructure in the towns of Bo , Kenema and Makeni , where coverage is low . The provision of safe , piped-in water supplies will improve health and living conditions
initial phase of the project .
In his remarks to the Ambassador , Al-Herbish outlined OFID ’ s longstanding relationship with Sierra Leone , which dates back to the institution ’ s inception in 1976 . Since then , nearly US $ 150m in public sector lending had been approved in the areas of education , energy , transportation , water supply and sanitation , he said , as well as HIPC debt relief . Regional and national programs had also received OFID grant support , noted Al-Herbish . He concluded by thanking the Ambassador for attending the signature ceremony and assured him of OFID ’ s continuing commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Sierra Leone .
Addressing Al-Herbish , HE Stevens outlined the “ successful implementation ” of the ongoing phase of the Three Towns Water Supply and Sanitation project , despite challenges his country had faced during the Ebola virus outbreak and explained the need for supplementary funds to expand the scope of the original project . He then thanked Al-Herbish , OFID and its staff , on behalf of President Ernest Bai Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone , for OFID ’ s continued support of his country ’ s development aspirations .
Somalia More than 100 die from hunger in one region
Humanitarian groups fear a full-blown famine will follow . Currently , almost three million people in Somalia face food insecurity .
Local news outlet Alldhacdo reported dozens of deaths due to cholera in the town of Awdinle , also in the Bay region . The disease is often spread due to lack of clean drinking water .
On 28 February this year , Somalia ’ s President , Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo , declared the drought a national disaster . The drought in Somalia has been partly caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon which has affected east and southern Africa .
As well as the lack of food caused by the drought , there are many cases of dehydration . Domestic animals are also dying in large numbers , and carcasses litter the landscape .
Nearly 260,000 people died during the famine that hit Somalia from 2010 to 2012 .
Some 220,000 people died during another famine in 1992 .
as currently at risk of extreme hunger and famine - along with Nigeria , South Sudan and Yemen .
Nearly 260,000 people died during the famine that hit Somalia from 2010 to 2012 .
Some 220,000 people died during another famine in 1992 .
as currently at risk of extreme hunger and famine - along with Nigeria , South Sudan and Yemen .
South Africa Water department
claims
The Department of Water and Sanitation says the situation is not as bad as it has been reported
The Department of Water and Sanitation
Sputnik Ratau
As water becomes scarce , animal carcasses - like this cow are a common sight
Somalia ’ s Prime Minister , Hassan Ali Haire , says 110 people have died from hunger within two days in a single region amid a severe drought .
impact of the drought on the country is still unknown . such as paying critical creditors .
It has been reported that hundreds of contractors who did critical work for the department have not been paid because it is in the red by R4.3 billion .
The department has denied this , claiming that it has
Speaking recently , department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says the situation is not as it has been reported .
Africa Water , Sanitation & Hygiene • March - April 2017 5