The News Review:

- Water supply augmented by three lakh gallons
- Africa still lacks safe water despite growth
- Water supply yet to resume in Kannur

Water supply augmented by three lakh gallons
Hindu – May 13, 2007
Despite the criticism that several areas are experiencing acute water shortage, the VMC authorities insist that only a “pinch of water shortage” is being experienced because of the sanctioning of 10,000 new connections in areas like Ajit Singh Nagar. In any case, 11 water tankers have been pressed into service, which make as many as 61 trips to colonies that are said to be facing water scarcity. VMC Chief Engineer Jayarami Reddy says: “There is no shortage of water supply. Presently, 190 LPCD of water is being supplied two times a day.

Africa still lacks safe water despite growth
Independent Online – May 13, 2007
“It is very simply the fact the growth we have been achieving on the continent has not been pro-poor enough. In sub-Saharan Africa only 56 percent of the people have access to what the bank calls “improved” drinking water; that leaves 332 million people without such access, a number expected to increase by 47 million by 2015. Water resources are hugely variable across Africa, but the bank said it was poor management that was taking the greatest toll on availability. “In most African cities over 50 percent of the water supply is wasted or unaccounted for,” the bank said in its African Economic Outlook report. Much is wasted through leakage due to old pipes, inefficient use and pilfering, it said. The bank recommends that Africa invest some $20-billion (about R139-billion) a year until 2025 in providing a sustainable water supply, including drinking water and sanitation, but said that finding financing was a challenge. Government budgets and development aid have been too small to cover the large investments needed, and economists said it was one of the least attractive sectors to private investors…
In sub-Saharan Africa only 56 percent of the people have access to what the bank calls “improved” drinking water; that leaves 332 million people without such access, a number expected to increase by 47 million by 2015. Water resources are hugely variable across Africa, but the bank said it was poor management that was taking the greatest toll on availability. “In most African cities over 50 percent of the water supply is wasted or unaccounted for,” the bank said in its African Economic Outlook report. Much is wasted through leakage due to old pipes, inefficient use and pilfering, it said. The bank recommends that Africa invest some $20-billion (about R139-billion) a year until 2025 in providing a sustainable water supply, including drinking water and sanitation, but said that finding financing was a challenge. Government budgets and development aid have been too small to cover the large investments needed, and economists said it was one of the least attractive sectors to private investors. “This is for the simple reason that the characteristics of the sector introduce a basic good, which means that the regulatory process very seldom can allow for a rate of return more than 5 to 10 percent,” said Kenneth Ruffing, one of the report’s coordinators.

Water supply yet to resume in Kannur
Hindu – May 13, 2007
Kerala Water Authority officials said pumping could not be resumed because power went off four times in the afternoon at Veliyambra. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials had been alerted to the problem. After starting pumping, 10 hours are needed to begin water supply. Officials had hoped that supply could be restored by Saturday evening. But it did not happen, disappointing people who are finding it difficult to cope, as wells had gone dry or had little water. The ruptured section of the pipe was replaced by 2 a.