§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her officials have had with representatives of(a) British water companies and (b) Water UK on water retention around the Nile basin. [86755]
§ Clare ShortDFID have not held discussions with UK companies specifically on the Nile Basin. However, DFID is also supporting a range of initiatives to encourage private sector involvement to improve access to water and sanitation, while ensuring that services are provided at an affordable price to the poor.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the governments of those countries through which the River Nile flows on effecting a common policy towards water use. [86754]
§ Clare ShortDFID has agreed to support the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), which encompasses the 10 riparian countries in a programme of dialogue and benefit sharing for the protection and development of the waters of the Nile. DFID has joined World bank facilitated discussions with riparian countries and a number of bilateral donors. DFID has pledged £3.3 million in support of NBI.