§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with other EU governments about(a) the management of water and (b) the control of water supplies in developing countries; and if she will make a statement. [101872]
§ Clare ShortMy department is currently working with other EU member states on a joint water initiative, which is addressing these issues.
The European Commission and the EU Member States set up the water initiative in order to respond to the demand of the partners in developing countries and create a platform for better co-ordination of water related development aid and for new partnerships.
Although involved in many aspects of the initiative, my department is leading the financing component, working on management and control issues through a multi-stakeholder process. The finance working group is currently developing a set of guiding principles that recognises the important contribution of the many stakeholders to the provision and management of water and sanitation services, and the need for effective governance in the water and sanitation sector.