The News Review:

- Mozambique: Common Investment Fund for Water Supply
- Ethiopia: Over 14 Million At Risk of Fluorosis – Ministry
- Rains add 40 days to Raleigh’s water supply

Mozambique: Common Investment Fund for Water Supply
AllAfrica.com – Mar 6, 2008
Zacarias said that SWAP is an important mechanism to establish a common vision aiming at reforms in the water sector, particularly in the decentralization of the management of funds. During the three day meeting, the participants discussed the report on the performance of this sector in 2007, and plans for this year. The meeting also discussed issues related to Water and Sanitation, both in rural and in urban areas, management of water resources, including of international rivers, hydraulic works and related sectors. "We were happy with the results of the meeting, which show that the major objectives for 2007 were achieved", said Zacarias. "Among these, one can mention the increase of coverage from 43. 7 per cent in the rural areas, and from 35 to 40 per cent in the urban areas, and improvement in sanitation, both in rural and urban areas, now covering 39 and 47 per cent of the population respectively".

Ethiopia: Over 14 Million At Risk of Fluorosis – Ministry
AllAfrica.com – Mar 6, 2008
Various studies conducted show that dental, skeletal and crippling fluorosis associated with excessive fluoride in drinking water is becoming a very serious health problem in the country. GA_googleFillSlot(“AllAfrica_Story_Inset”); Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop, Minister of Water Resources Asfaw Dingamo indicated that recent assessment of the Fluoride, Fluorosis and Defluoridation issues in Ethiopia indicate that out of those at risk, approximately 85% may have already been exposed to high fluoride contamination Excessive fluoride is the most serious water sanitation problem, mainly in the Ethiopian Rift Valley system affecting areas in Afar , Oromia, and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and peoples regional states, including some parts of Gambela Regional State. "Although few decades have been counted since Ethiopia recognized the problem of fluorosis and its effects on millions of people in the rift valley, the level of national efforts towards fluorosis mitigation has remained low," the minister said. He said despite numerous attempts to establish a responsible structure to lead the national efforts, the success has been constrained by a number of factors…
He said despite numerous attempts to establish a responsible structure to lead the national efforts, the success has been constrained by a number of factors. The minister noted however that as part of the continued efforts to see the prevailing health problem controlled, a high level National Fluorosis Mitigation Steering Committee composed of Ministers and Heads of relevant agencies has been re-established to guide, coordinate and lead fluorosis mitigation efforts in Ethiopia. Yohanes said the most important task therefore remains to be selecting, adapting and disseminating technologies that are effective, simple and affordable to the majority of the rural people. The work shop was held at the Axum Hotel in Addis Ababa under the theme: Fluorosis Mitigation Learning Exchange from March 4-5,2008. Relevant Links East AfricaEthiopiaHealth and MedicineSustainable DevelopmentWater and Sanitation Studies indicate that the concentration of fluoride in drinking water in affecting areas ranges from 0.

Rains add 40 days to Raleigh’s water supply
News & Observer – Mar 6, 2008
comp –> Comment on this story RALEIGH–The thunderstorms that swept the region Tuesday night have added more than a month to Raleigh’s water supply in Falls Lake. Ed Buchan, Raleigh’s water conservation specialist, said the city’s water supply has risen to 164 days so far. Prior to the storms, Raleigh’s water supply stood at 124 days, assuming consumption remains constant and no additional rain occurrs. Falls Lake, which supplies drinking water to Raleigh and six Wake County towns, has risen more than two feet as a result of the storms. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner…
Ed Buchan, Raleigh’s water conservation specialist, said the city’s water supply has risen to 164 days so far. Prior to the storms, Raleigh’s water supply stood at 124 days, assuming consumption remains constant and no additional rain occurrs. Falls Lake, which supplies drinking water to Raleigh and six Wake County towns, has risen more than two feet as a result of the storms. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.