79 / 130
[
] 79
access
to
water
and
sanitation
for
all
Benefits brought to the rural community
China’s campaign has raised farmers’ living conditions and
improved their health. Now, with access to clean, convenient
tap water, half of the farmers benefiting from the campaign
have purchased washing machines, water heaters and other
household appliances and installed flushing toilets. These
changes have created new standards for rural households
which benefit from tidy kitchens, clean rooms, hygienic
toilets and green courtyards. As a result, the risk of water-
borne disease epidemics has been eliminated, with a large
saving on medical expenses. It is estimated that, since the
implementation of the campaign, the medical expenditure
of each household in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
of north-west China and cities such as Yiwu, Wenling and
Pingyang in Zhejiang Province, south east China, has been
cut by 100–250 RMB per year.
The campaign has also liberalised the rural labour force
and increased farmers’ income. Many people in rural loca-
tions have been freed from the hard work of finding, carting
or carrying water, leaving them free for more productive work
that generates income. According to a survey conducted by the
Water Resources Bureau of Chongqing Municipality, south-
west China, since implementation of the campaign every rural
household has been able to devote 53 more days to productive
work – time previously dedicated to water carrying. Counted
at 40 RMB per day, the annual income per household has
increased by more than 2,100 RMB. Jobs have also been
created in rural areas with the development of agricultural
product processing and livestock farming, and farmers are
now able to work in cities where they can earn more.
Finally, the campaign has helped to create and maintain
the harmony and stability of the countryside as water related
conflicts have been minimised. Water users are entitled to
learn about, participate in and supervise the campaign’s
projects by sending delegates to take part in the entire
process of project construction and management, which has
greatly enhanced their sense of democracy and responsibil-
ity. In some communities, the farmers have built water use
associations, assuming responsibility for project construction
and management. Special care is given to vulnerable groups
including elderly people without family, those with disabili-
ties and families with financial difficulties, all of whom enjoy
a preferential water tariff without having to share project
costs. The campaign prioritises people of ethnic minorities
and those living in poverty, encouraging ethnic solidarity
and helping to more quickly ease water-caused privation.
Tibetan villagers with access to tap water
Image: IWHR