Sector Reform

If Pakistan’s water crisis and environmental degradation were allowed to continue, they might significantly affect production of crops, including wheat and rice.

These views were expressed by water and environmental experts on Monday during the inaugural ceremony for two new Oxfam Novib development projects on water governance and climate change awareness. Indus Consortium, a local NGO, will manage field operations for both projects.

The World Bank has approved a loan to improve water quality and boost waste-water services in and around Albania’s second-biggest city and primary port Durres, on the country’s west coast.

The bank’s board of executive directors agreed to an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan of $85.3 million for the Albania Water Sector Investment Project, it said in a statement on its website yesterday.

A winding path sweeps down past the banana trees to the swamp. Yves, aged 13, follows the path, fills a plastic jerry can, and carries the liquid cargo home on his head, despite knowing it will make him and his family ill. Fortunately the shallow pools do not attract crocodiles, but the water must be collected before the hippos gather at dusk.