“The challenge for sanitation is more daunting”, says the report. An additional 1.9 billion people will need improved access, which means another 125 million each year (342,000/day) from 2000 to 2015. The report explains that cultural factors further complicate the logistical and financial difficulties in providing adequate sanitation.
If the current level of investment was maintained, all regions in the world could reach or come close to both goals, with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa, according to the report. But “in absolute terms, the investment needs of Asia outstrip those of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean combined”. It is estimated that the first interventions would cost about US$12.6 billion.
Questions remain as to the source of this investment. “Financing the Millennium Development goals will probably be one of the most important challenges that the international community will have to face over the next 15 years,” says the report.
The report outlines debates over water pricing and privatization. “Although it is considered essential to involve the private sector in water resource management”, according to the executive summary of the report, “it should be seen as a financial catalyst - not so much as a precondition - for project development. Control of the assets and the resource should remain in the hands of the government and users”, it states.
If the current level of investment was maintained, all regions in the world could reach or come close to both goals, with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa, according to the report. But “in absolute terms, the investment needs of Asia outstrip those of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean combined”. It is estimated that the first interventions would cost about US$12.6 billion.
Questions remain as to the source of this investment. “Financing the Millennium Development goals will probably be one of the most important challenges that the international community will have to face over the next 15 years,” says the report.
The report outlines debates over water pricing and privatization. “Although it is considered essential to involve the private sector in water resource management”, according to the executive summary of the report, “it should be seen as a financial catalyst - not so much as a precondition - for project development. Control of the assets and the resource should remain in the hands of the government and users”, it states.