Rwandan President Visits AWWA, Water For People, Awwa Research Foundation to Address Water Infrastructure, Public Health 4/15/2004
From: Greg Kail of AWWA, 303-734-3410 or gkail@awwa.org; Nancy Haws of Water For People, 303-734-3476 or nancy@waterforpeople.org DENVER, April 15 -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame and officials from the American Water Works Association met Thursday in Denver to explore means of addressing the country's severe drinking water crisis, which has worsened since the 1994 genocide that claimed nearly 1 million Rwandans. Speaking to AWWA staff, Water For People officials, members of the AWWA Research Foundation and other dignitaries, President Kagame said reconciliation, rehabilitation of infrastructure, and social and economic development have become his country's top priorities since the harrowing atrocities of 1994. The vast majority of Rwanda's population of 8 million does not have access to safe drinking water. "Today, we are focusing on reconstruction," President Kagame said. "That's where we need friends, and why we're very happy to be in Denver." Water For People, an international humanitarian organization, helps communities in developing countries address their own water issues. Water For People accepted an invitation from the Rwandan delegation to discuss possible alternatives for assisting Rwanda with its water issues. Water For People provides training on many levels, from fixing pumps to developing water resource plans and instructing communities on the importance of healthier hygiene practices. "Like so many countries in crisis, Rwanda faces seemingly insurmountable challenges," said Steve Werner, Water For People's executive director. "President Kagame envisions a Water for People model for change. We want to be a part of it." Water For People also invited Rwanda's participation in its John H. Ware Jr. International Water and Sanitation Fellowship Program, which brings water professionals from developing countries to the United States to expand their understanding of water treatment technologies and systems. --- American Water Works Association AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of drinking water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the drinking water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment. Awwa Research Foundation The Awwa Research Foundation is a member-supported, international, nonprofit organization that sponsors research to enable water utilities, public health agencies, and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to consumers. Water For People Water For People's vision is of "a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation; a world where no child suffers or dies from a water-related disease." |