§ 29. Mr. QuinnTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance Her Majesty's Government have given to assist in water distribution in those areas of the world suffering from drought and rationing of water supplies. [89781]
§ Clare ShortDFID provides support in a number of ways to assist in addressing drought. Good management of water resources and drought preparedness planning are essential to mitigate the impact of drought. We are currently funding projects in a number of countries, including Zimbabwe and South Africa, to assist governments in such planning. DFID also actively supports the work of the UN agencies and the Global Water Partnership in long-term sustainable use of freshwater resources at country and regional levels. We provide direct assistance in the provision of water supplies in situations of drought. Recent examples of support include projects implemented by non government organisations such as Save the Children Fund (UK) and International Committee of the Red Cross in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Guyana, and Bolivia.