Press Release from RIBI

April 2003

HRH The Prince of Wales Outlines World Water Problem at Rotary Conference

HRH The Prince of Wales has outlined the enormous extent of the global water and sanitation problems - which affect a third of the world's people - and discussed the practical solutions to these issues.

The Prince of Wales was speaking at The Rotary International Conference in Blackpool where he congratulated Rotarians for their support for WaterAid, which this year, is the preferred International charity of Tony de St Dalmas, President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI).

HRH The Prince of Wales said: "Nobody needs reminding that water is essential for life. What we do easily forget is how many people in the world - perhaps one quarter of our planet's population - do not have access to a safe, clean and reliable water supply, basic hygiene and decent sanitation. The average Briton consumes 135 litres of water a day. Yet in some parts of the world, families are lucky to be able to use a dirty puddle at the bottom of a deep well for their daily use.''

The Prince, an honorary Rotarian, and President of WaterAid for 12 years, has visited WaterAid projects in Nepal. He also outlined the practical solutions to the problems which are based on empowering local communities to build and maintain their own sustainable supplies of safe water and sanitation facilities:

HRH The Prince of Wales said: '' ... for many communities across the developing world, the provision of clean water is the first and most essential step out of a life of poverty.

"On behalf of WaterAid and all the beneficiaries in Tanzania I would like to thank Rotarians most warmly and with heartfelt enthusiasm for their dedication and support, and for working together in partnership with WaterAid."

This year Rotarians have set a target of providing 21,000 people with safe water, sanitation and hygiene education in the Dodoma and Kiteto regions of Tanzania. So far this year Clubs have raised more than £80,000 through fundraising campaigns including a mobile phone recycling scheme which raises up to £30 per old phone.

Tony de St Dalmas, President Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland, said:"Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland are greatly honoured by the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, President of WaterAid, at our annual conference. Personally I am delighted that Rotary Clubs have taken up the challenge to support WaterAid, as particularly this year there are many calls on Rotary support for other projects. This was much in evidence at the conference exhibition which The Prince took the opportunity to visit to see Rotary service at work."

Ends

Notes
1. Media coverage of this event was by Royal Rota. For further details please contact Kirsteen Clark at St. James's Palace on 020 7024 5510 or Eileen Jones at GNN North West on 0161 952 4501.

2. For further information about WaterAid please contact Jules, Lisa or Sharon on 020 7 793 4553/4524 or julesacton@wateraid.org.uk

3. For further information about Rotary please contact Judith Diment 01628 672 965 or 07860 162 313 or Robin Freeman at RIBI, 01789 765 411.

4. WaterAid has enjoyed a successful relationship with Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland since 1984. Rotary Clubs have donated over two million pounds in that time.

All pictures courtesy WaterAid/Warren Smith