World Toilet Day Raises Awareness of Bare Necessities

World Toilet Day was officially recognised by the United Nations last year as a day to raise awareness of the importance of sanitation. The need to focus on toilets is crucial because - shockingly - 2.5 billion people do not have access to a toilet.

Having no access to a safe, private toilet means that one in every three people in the world have to face the indignity of going to the loo in the open, where they are exposed to disease and vulnerable to harassment and even attack. 

This year to mark the importance of World Toilet Day, WaterAid and Engineers Without Borders have unveiled an installation of 25 outrageously decorated toilets at Circular Quay. Situated outside Customs House the toilets are on view to all passersby for the next three days.

In recognition of WaterAid's outstanding sanitation programs in Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea, the Water Directorate recently resolved to make a donation of $10,000 to WaterAid. Executive Officer, Gary Mitchell, said "The Water Directorate has been a long time supporter of WaterAid and we are very pleased to provide this donation on behalf of our members."

More information about WaterAid's sanitation programs in various countries including Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea is available here.