http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=25172
ACCORDING to UNICEF, investing in water and sanitation is deemed smart economically as every US$1 spent on water and sanitation generates the equivalent of US$8 in saved time, increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.UNICEF states that an average of 4,100 children die every day from severe diarrhoea, which is caused by poor sanitation and hygiene worldwide.
"Women and girls in developing countries including Zambia (and Congo) spend most of their days gathering water for their families, walking 3.5 miles on average each day to collect water. Girls often drop out of primary school because their schools lack separate toilets and easy access to safe water," according to UNICEF.
"Access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation facilities could transform the lives of millions in the world's poorest countries. Universal access to water and sanitation could prevent thousands of child deaths and free up hours each day for women and children to go to work or school.
This is especially true for girls as studies show that 12 per cent more likely to go to school if water is available within a 15 minute walk rather than a one hour's walk."