TULEAR, MADAGASCAR - The U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar, Robert Yamate, together with Minister of water, hygiene and sanitation, Johanita Ndahimananjara, USAID Mission Director Susan Sawhill Riley and UNICEF Country Representative Elke Wisch, marked World Water Day on Wednesday March 18^th in the Atsimo Andrefana region, in southwestern Madagascar, by inaugurating a new water supply system.

“World Water Day reminds us that much of the world still faces a global water, hygiene and sanitation crisis, and that it is our obligation to act,” said United States Ambassador M. Yamate. “I’m so proud to see how we have all worked together - the United States, the United Nations and the Malagasy government - to bring such change to Milenaka. With this new water supply system, running water is now within reach for the people here.”

Madagascar ranks 4th from last worldwide for the use of safe water and 8^th from last in terms of access to sanitation. Only 14 per cent of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities, and close to half of people living in rural areas practice open defecation. Only three in ten people drink safe water in the rural areas.

​“We all know what to do to give everyone access to safe water: we need more investment and a strategy to ensure the sustainability of services in water, hygiene and sanitation. The sustainable supply of water, hygiene and sanitation is essential for health, education and economic development,” said UNICEF country Representative Elke Wisch.

USAID/Madagascar provided close to $350,000 to UNICEF to build water infrastructures in various rural villages. This water supply system is bringing running water to the communities, as well as the local health clinic and the school for the first time. The populations will drink safe water, children will be able to wash their hands, and doctors and nurses will be able to keep medical instruments clean and disinfected.

In addition to Milenaka, water supply systems are being built in Belalanda, Fotadrevo and Ehara. Over 10,000 villagers will now have access to clean water, right from the tap. To do so, the local and regional authorities, chiefs of fokontany, traditional leaders and the communities will closely work with UNICEF and the Ministry of water, sanitation and hygiene. The private sector also plays a significant role in building and maintaining the infrastructure.

“The Ministry rejoices over the effective collaboration with partners, which helped build these infrastructures for the population. The water sector is facing many challenges in Madagascar. Technical and financial investment for this sector should be strengthened and increased to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for water and sanitation,” said Minister of water, hygiene and sanitation Johanita Ndahimananjara.