Greece signs deal to sell water to Cyprus

WATER WORLD

Water causes one in 10 diseases: WHO
Unsafe water leads to one in 10 diseases and six percent of deaths worldwide, according to estimates in a report to be published by the World Health Organization on Thursday. While the UN agency estimates that problems relating to water cause 9.1 percent of diseases recorded yearly, the report highlights this disproportionately affects the world's poorest countries. "In the 35 most affected countries, over 15 percent of diseases could easily be prevented by improved water, sanitation and hygiene," report author Annette Pruss-Ustun told the press. In developed countries, water causes less than one percent of deaths. In developing countries, the toll leaps to an average eight percent -- with the extreme case being Angola, at 24 percent. Illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, or diarrhoea can be transmitted through the water supply. The problem particularly threatens children. An unsafe water supply is to blame for 22 percent of illnesses in those under 14 years of age, and one quarter of young deaths. As a solution, Pruss-Ustun encouraged governments to invest in this area. Every dollar invested would bring an additional benefit of eight dollars in healthcare savings and productivity, she said.

by Staff Writers
Athens (AFP) June 26, 2008
Greece on Thursday signed a deal with Cyprus to sell eight million cubic metres (280 million cubic feet) of water to the drought-hit island, officials said.

"Cyprus is facing a major drought problem and asked for our help," Greek Environment and Public Works Minister George Souflias told reporters.

"We wish we could send more but at present we can manage only eight million cubic metres.

"We will look into whether we can send a larger quantity," Souflias said.

Cyprus Agriculture Minister Polynikis Haralambidis said the island has "minimal" water reserves.

"We have 17 million cubic metres when our desired level is 66-70 million," he said.

Greece will sell Cyprus the water at 0.6 euros (93 cents) per cubic metre.

The Cypriot government in April signed a similar agreement with the Ocean Tanker company that undertook to ferry water in six tankers.

Greece has itself seen its water reserves dwindle in recent years due to low rainfall and poor resource management but Souflias on Thursday said no emergency conditions were expected this summer.

sjph/rt

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WATER WORLD

Singapore, UAE collaborate on environment, water

Singapore (AFP) June 25, 2008
Singapore and the United Arab Emirates agreed Wednesday to collaborate on environmental and water issues, a Singapore government statement said.

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