Egypt: new study analyzes options for rural wastewater treatment

Dumping untreated domestic wastewater, Lower Egypt. Photo: World Bank / University of Leeds

While Egypt has made good progress in urban sanitation, access to wastewater treatment in rural areas lags far behind, a recent study [1] showed.

The study analysed the cost-effectiveness of a range of wastewater treatment options in terms of the relative health benefits these are likely to generate for downstream farmers and consumers.

The study, conducted by the University of Leeds, UK, in partnership with the World Bank and the Holding Company for Water and Waste Water, discussed the benefits of differing strategies for wastewater management in Lower Egypt using Quantitative Microbial Risk Analysis (QMRA).

Only 18% of rural households had a sewerage connection in 2008, resulting in widespread discharges of untreated domestic wastewater in agricultural channels.

Simple improvements to existing domestic sanitary facilities could have significant benefits at a relatively low cost. The challenge is to work out what investment strategies make the most sense in terms of service delivery to consumers and farmers, health benefits and cost effectiveness.

The World Bank has been supporting Egypt’s reforms in the water supply and sanitation sector and continues to support improved access to sustainable rural sanitation services in Egypt, given its strong linkages to health and environment.

[1] Evans, B. and Iyer, P., 2012. Estimating relative benefits of differing strategies for management of wastewater in Lower Egypt using quantitative microbial risk analysis (QMRA). Washington, DC, World Bank Water Partnership Program, World Bank. viii, 36 p. Download report

See also a 2011 presentation about the study here

Related web sites:

• World Bank Water Partnership Program
• WHO – Wastewater Use
• IWMI – Water Quality, Health and Environment

.
Source: Daily News Egypt, 24 Feb 2012

Mena Renewable Energy 2012

Despite having considerable solar and wind potential, renewable energy makes a minimal contribution to power generation across most of the MENA region, and in particular in the GCC where traditionally low cost oil and gas production has stifled its development.

According to the latest report by MEED Insight, Mena Renewable Energy 2012, states right across the region are now planning a substantial hike in renewable energy capacity over the coming decade to meet high power demand growth, limit the use of oil and gas feedstock in power generation, and take advantage of a forecast drop in solar and wind generated electricity.

Libya, Tripoli: water supply resumed as rebels regain control of the Great Man-Made River Project

More than a week after the taps had run dry, water supplies to the Libyan capital Tripoli resumed on 6 September [1]. This was two days after the rebels said they had taken control of the Great Man-Made River (GMMR) Project, which provides 6.5 million cubic metres of water a day to the cities of Tripoli, Benghazi, Sirte and elsewhere [2].

Senior officials of the rebels’ interim government earlier accused Gaddafi loyalists of destroying water pumps and attacking water engineers trying to restart pumping stations [2]. Aid agency sources said pro-Gaddafi forces in Sirte had cut off the water supply to Tripoli [1].

A human rights group condemned the bombing by NATO on 22 July 2011 of a pipe factory in Brega, which serviced the water supply system of the GMMR Project. NATO claimed that Gaddafi forces were using the factory as a base for rocket launchers [3].

UAE redoubles efforts to contain cholera in Somalia

The United Arabe Emirates intensified its medical efforts to contain the spread of an outbreak of cholera as an threatened tens of thousands of people fleeing the famine-hit areas of Somalia to pack into the crowded camps in the country’s capital, Mogadishu.

Several people have died from suspected cholera cases in the single hospital existing in Mogadishu, and there have been many other confirmed cholera outbreaks across the country according to the UN World Health Organisation.

Palestine, Gaza Strip: human rights groups warn of a severe water crisis (video)

Human rights groups warn that residents face a severe water crisis. An estimated 95% percent of drinking water fails to meet international standards and water and sanitation plants have yet to berebuilt following the 2009 Israeli war. Read the full transcript

Source: FSRN / Real News, 28 Jul 2011

Kuwait: conserving water through pre-paid supply

The Ministry of Electricity and Water’s pre-paid water supply project aims to conserve water and generate state revenues. Acting Minister of Electricity and Water, Salem Al-Othaina, who inaugurated phase one at Jabriya Water Plant, described it as one of the ministry’s “crucial projects”,

Pre-paid water systems are being introduced in four phases at a cost of KD 1.5 million (US$ 5.5 million).
Phase one includes seven water plants, while the following 3 phases will include six plants each.

The pre-paid service will be offered to consumers via cards, that will be readily available at various distribution points across the country.

Source: KUNA, Kuwait Times, 18 Jul 2011

UAE: Students learn good health goes hand in hand with hygiene

The results of the international Dettol HABIT Study (Hygiene: Attitudes, Behaviour, Insight and Traits) were recently presented to health and safety professionals by expert professors from the Global Hygiene Council in Dubai. During the symposium, the Dubai Ministry of Education invited a number of young school students to learn about the importance of hygiene.

Professor Tariq Madani of the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, held an interactive workshop for the children, which involved a demonstration of the Interactive ‘Glow germ Booth’.

The Dettol HABIT Study was carried out in 12 countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the only countries where face-to-face interviews were conducted. The study found that people who have good manners have better personal hygiene and are almost two and a half times more likely to have good health with low levels of colds and diarrhoea.