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Use MPLAD funds for sanitation: Speaker

Special Correspondent

Sanitation a good economic investment

Waste management and sanitation promotion can generate millions
of jobs
Delhi Declaration accords national priority to sanitation

NEW DELHI: Calling upon Members of Parliament to support the sanitation movement in their constituencies, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has suggested that part of the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme funds be used to prioritise sanitation services.

Speaking at the concluding session of the Third South Asian Conference on Sanitation here on Friday, Mr. Chatterjee said the allocation of Rs. 2 crore made to the MPs for small developmental works should be used for sanitation as long as the scheme continued.

It was unfortunate that “we are living in a world where 40 per cent of the population continues to live without basic sanitation facilities,” Mr. Chatterjee said. It was distressing that an estimated 2.6 billion people, including 960 million children, had not gained access to improved sanitation facilities, without which there could not be sustainable development.

“Though the funding needed for realising the goal of sanitation is not large, the return on that investment is potentially much greater. Studies have established that every dollar spent on improving sanitation generates economic benefits to the tune of $9.” It was acknowledged that at least basic minimum sanitation facilities were necessary to enhance dignity, privacy and safety of all citizens, especially women and girls.

“Not only is good sanitation vital for healthy living, it also contributes to social development and is also a good economic investment besides helping to clean the environment. Solid and liquid waste management, associated with sanitation promotion, can generate revenue and employment for millions, particularly in toilet generation, waste recycling, and biogas plants for energy use.”

The conference concluded with a call for according national priority to sanitation. The Delhi Declaration was approved by the heads of delegations from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The declaration recognises that access to sanitation and safe drinking water is a basic right, and accords national priority to sanitation. It confirms commitment to achieve national and Millennium Development Goals on sanitation in a time-bound manner in all participating countries of South Asia. It asserts that achieving total and sustainable sanitation in all rural and urban communities in the member-countries is not only possible but also a cherished goal.

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