The News Review:

- Nigeria: Edo Earmarks N200m On Rehabilitation of 3 Dams
- Opinion Focus
- Mine Discharge Pact Clears the Way for 9/11 Memorial
- Global Water Initiative Created in Response to World Water Crisis

Nigeria: Edo Earmarks N200m On Rehabilitation of 3 Dams
AllAfrica.com – Oct 23, 2007
The dams are the Ikpoba River dam, Benin City in Edo south Senatorial zone, Ugbalo Water Project in Esan Central and Ojierami Dam in Edo North Senatorial districts. State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Chief Samson Ekhabafe, who disclosed this to Vanguard yesterday in an interview in Benin, also disclosed that the government has advertised for tenders for the supply of chemicals for water treatment valued at over N70 million. GA_googleFillSlot(“AllAfrica_Story_Inset”); Besides, he said that the government is to procure large quantity of diesel worth over N15 million for water pumping stations throughout the state to enable them pump water whenever there is power outage from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria. His words, "I think that we are actually trying to settle down and in the process, we are trying to address very urgent and fundamental issues relating to water supply and electricity. You know that the issue of water is very important because they say water is life". The present administration in the state is very determined and wants to ensure that matters relating to water supply and rural electrification are given priority…
The dams are the Ikpoba River dam, Benin City in Edo south Senatorial zone, Ugbalo Water Project in Esan Central and Ojierami Dam in Edo North Senatorial districts. State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Chief Samson Ekhabafe, who disclosed this to Vanguard yesterday in an interview in Benin, also disclosed that the government has advertised for tenders for the supply of chemicals for water treatment valued at over N70 million. GA_googleFillSlot(“AllAfrica_Story_Inset”); Besides, he said that the government is to procure large quantity of diesel worth over N15 million for water pumping stations throughout the state to enable them pump water whenever there is power outage from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria. His words, "I think that we are actually trying to settle down and in the process, we are trying to address very urgent and fundamental issues relating to water supply and electricity. You know that the issue of water is very important because they say water is life". The present administration in the state is very determined and wants to ensure that matters relating to water supply and rural electrification are given priority.

Opinion Focus
Washington Post – Oct 23, 2007
Army Corps of Engineers. Though they have created some engineering marvels, a number are coming back to bite us now. Atlanta, for instance, never had a water supply worthy of its population. Lake Lanier is a man-made reservoir fed by a river that looks like a creek even compared to the Anacostia River. Who is out there looking at the man-made impacts to environment?washingtonpost…
Those who can, move to the second world, or to the first, where they quickly learn from those around them how to consume natural resources for pleasure or mere convenience, rather than for sustenance. The world needs to come to grips with the population problem. Earth’s natural resources can only sustain so many humans. Eventually Mother Nature will effect an adjustment, and we won’t like it. Eugene Robinson: You know, I have to confess that I’ve never been big on population as an issue. Population tends to limit itself already, in my view. As societies become richer and more developed, birth rates fall; the biggest correlation, in fact, is with women’s education.

Mine Discharge Pact Clears the Way for 9/11 Memorial
Environment News Service – Oct 23, 2007
The agreement states that PBS Coals will no longer be required to treat for manganese. The company also will monitor water quality at several points along Lamberts Run, including approximately four miles from the discharge where it meets the Stonycreek River and approximately 10 miles downstream at the Hooversville Public Water Supply intake. Should DEP identify a manganese impact to Stoneycreek River or the Hooversville water supply intake, PBS Coals will be required to resume treatment for the metal. “We do not believe manganese will degrade Lamberts Run, as there is no evidence existing manganese concentrations will impact aquatic life, or create a problem for the downstream public drinking water supply,” said McGinty. “The levels at the supply intake should be well below the level required for safe drinking water. The secretary noted water quality limits for manganese were established to address aesthetic issues, such as laundry staining, not because of health or environmental risks. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Somerset Conservancy, Stonycreek Conemaugh River Improvement Project and Somerset County Conservation District all support the conceptual plan included in the consent order and agreement.

Global Water Initiative Created in Response to World Water Crisis
Common Dreams – Common Dreams (press release) – Oct 23, 2007
The announcement of the GWI comes at a time when more than one billion people lack access to improved water sources, and more than 2. 6 billion people lack adequate sanitation. Water resources are under increasing pressure from human use while communities are frequently affected by floods and droughtsThe GWI will work in 13 countries in Central America, West Africa and East Africa to address the challenges of providing long-term access to clean water and sanitation, access to water for rural production, as well as the protection and sustainable management of ecosystem services and watersheds. The partner organizations will focus on the needs of some of the worlds poorest and most vulnerable communities including refugees and internally displaced persons. Projects will deliver water and sanitation in rural communities. In addition, investments will be made to strengthen institutions, build capacity to enable organizations to initiate and sustain long-term projects, increase community participation, improve local governance, facilitate inter-governmental coordination and cooperation, raise awareness, emphasize innovation and support the development of responsible water policies. The projects at local and national levels will help catalyze change toward better integrated management of water resources.