Imam Joins Battle Against Water Wastage
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - An Imam in his Friday sermon yesterday said that water is the most important necessity in life and is one the biggest "conveniences" granted by Allah. Therefore, it is vital for people to be aware ofmatters that cause worldwide concern over the lack of clean water supply, he said.

Statistics provided by the Water Services Department showed it is estimated that more than one billion people worldwide are deprived of clean water supply and the number is expected to increase to 2.6 billion people this year.

In November 2002, the National United Associations for Economic Rights, Culture and Social affirmed that clean water supply is one of our human rights and that water is a social issue.

The Imam said that the use of water in Brunei is the highest in the region with each person making use of 450 litres per, day, compared to other countries that make use of only between 168 iitres-200 litres per day per person.

However, he said that Brunei Darussalam still has enough sources of water supply alter the government under the 8th National Development Plan had taken steps to monitor and protect the water supply in the country. In addition, the government is carrying out projects to increase the safety and capability of water supply.

Within that period, Brunei was able to produce as much as 580 million litres of clean water per day compared to 400 million litres per day towards the end of the 7"' National Development Plan.

The use of water in the country had increased to 177 million litres per day in 1991 to 337 million litres per day in 2001, which is an increase of 91 per cent over a decade.

The use of water is expected to increase to 485 million litres per day in the year 2015, he said.

Brunei recently celebrated the World Water Day which carried the theme "Water for Life" to remind people of the importance of water supply in daily life.

Meanwhile, as part of the efforts to remind residents not to waste water, steps were taken by the authorities through the mass media, posters, activities and roadshows.

Cooperation between the government and the public in managing the use of water was also enhanced, the Imam said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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