Despite access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene being fundamental human rights, millions of people around the world are not afforded these necessities, which is why Australia’s water industry is putting its financial power behind not-for-profit organization WaterAid.
Extending a helping hand
Established in 2004, WaterAid Australia provides communities in developing parts of the Asia-Pacific region with access to fresh water, sanitation and hygiene products.
The organisation has made transformational change over the years, giving disadvantaged people access to this vital life source, while promoting safe and healthy habits at a community level.
With over 80 years’ experience in the water industry, specialist in water infrastructure, Interflow, understands the value that WaterAid’s work brings communities, and has been a proud sponsor of the organisation for more than 15 years.
Having witnessed the difference that ready access to clean water and sanitation can make first-hand, Interflow Managing Director Geoff Weaver said the organisation’s mission is very important to him.
“Supporting our customers’ local communities through the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation is a big part of what we have done throughout our history across Australia and New Zealand, but a lot of our neighbours throughout the Asia-Pacific region aren’t as fortunate,” he said.
“Access to these services is vital to enhancing the quality of life and general prosperity of communities and can impact a child’s access to healthcare and education.
“We want to do our part to ensure that all families, communities and businesses gain access to such utilities, regardless of the circumstances they were born into.”
By making these services more accessible, WaterAid and its partners are giving local leaders and townships the tools they need to support the growth of a healthy community for generations to come.
Delivering tailored support
COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of hygiene and sanitation on a global scale and WaterAid’s work through these difficult times has played an enormous role in preserving the health of vulnerable communities.
By providing national communications, information, materials and training on water, sanitation and hygiene, WaterAid’s volunteers are not only protecting rural communities from mass infection but improving the health of future generations.
Mr Weaver explains how uniting behind this cause has enabled members of the Australian water industry to amplify their positive impact.
“Without an intimate knowledge of the social or political systems in these regions, or what the needs of various local communities are, the impact of an organisation looking to make a difference on its own would be limited,” he said.
“The people at WaterAid have the specialist knowledge and local resources to be able to put our money where it’s needed.
“They’re channeling the collective power of the Australian water industry and helping us all to achieve a greater good on a much larger scale.”
Stronger together
The united approach of water authorities, government bodies and essential service providers such as Interflow, has enabled WaterAid Australia to leave a lasting impact in hundreds of communities throughout the Asia-Pacific.
WaterAid’s sponsors have supported the organisation’s work in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste with an increased focus on hygiene education and promotion, which is vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
With its eyes set on more community-based initiatives to further elevate the health of those in need, both through and post-COVID-19, WaterAid’s work is a potent reminder of how working together can truly change lives for communities around the world.
For more information visit the Interflow website.
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