On June 10, within the framework of a high-level conference dedicated to the implementation of the UN Decade “Water for Life,” discussions on sanitation issues took place in Dushanbe. 700 million people live without sanitation, 9 out of 10 live in rural areas, and about 50 percent of people in rural areas have poor access to sanitation.
All of this leads to declining health indicators, rising diseases, and failure to uphold human rights and dignity, especially for children and women. This was noted in a joint report by WHO and UNICEF on the implementation of the Decade of Action on Water and Sanitation, the results of which were presented by Haik Nikoghosyan, the special representative of the regional director of WHO for the European region. To ensure the goals for water and sanitation, we believe it is important to develop water and sanitation plans that will improve the quality of life and the realization of human rights. In the sixth sustainable development goal, currently under discussion, it is noted that by 2030, all people should have access to water and sanitation with hygienic conditions. A number of sub-goals have also been developed for this goal: Reduce water pollution, minimize losses, increase efficiency of use, and restore natural water ecosystems. It is recommended to spend up to 1.6 percent of GDP on water and sanitation issues. According to WHO, 280 million USD should be spent annually to improve sanitation services globally. According to international studies, each dollar invested returns as 5.5 dollars from sanitation and 1.2 dollars from water. A serious gap and inequality between urban and rural areas is another important issue. Another aspect we face is the behavior of beneficiaries; it is important to change behavior and sanitation habits. It is necessary to develop a comprehensive sanitation chain. In developing countries, up to 90 percent of wastewater is untreated. We need solutions that are most optimal, as what we have today are very expensive solutions, and this needs to change. It is essential to achieve institutional-level interaction between ministries and departments on this issue and raise awareness about the need to finance these matters. William Kingdom, the lead water and sanitation specialist at the World Bank, noted this. During the event’s site, issues related to sanitation management were raised, including the entire management chain of black and grey water waste, with consideration for safety for the environment. Issues regarding motivating people to improve sanitation and the design of sanitation products that people would like to buy were also discussed.
