WATER AND WASTE
ENGINEERING

Today, more than 1.5 billion of people live in extreme poverty, face problems of poverty, malnutrition, inadequate or no housing, poor environment and poor quality drinking water and sanitation. About 10 million children under the age of five die in 1999, most of them from preventable diseases. By 2030 the number of people suffering from various forms of poverty will increase to 4 billion. If we do not work together and address these issues, we face a future of conflict, disease and environmental degradation. Education could play a more crucial role in poverty alleviation.

In September, 2000 all the member countries of the United Nation agreed on a set of goals to alleviate poverty and improve the environment. These eight goals are called the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Later, UN organizations and member countries developed eighteen measurable targets to achieve MDGs.

In September, 2000 all the member countries of the United Nation agreed on a set of goals to alleviate poverty and improve the environment. These eight goals are called the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Later, UN organizations and member countries developed eighteen measurable targets to achieve MDGs.

These targets will be achieved through improved national policies, good governance, benefits from trade and transparency. The goals will be supported by debt relief for poor countries, ring fenced aid, private sector involvement and capacity building. The challenges of poverty alleviation are much more than merely improving the physical environment. The challenge is to mainstream the neglected inhabitants to people with full civic rights and responsibilities. One of the basic requirements of people is infrastructure and services.

Infrastructure consists of the changes to the physical environment that improve the way we live our daily lives. Not only does it include the physical structures such as water supplies, drainage, roads and solid waste management for example, but also the way they are planned, financed, constructed, operated and maintained. Whether the infrastructure is a new advanced water treatment plant for a large city or a simple pit latrine for a poor family,

Environmental managers and engineers could play a significant role in the planning and provision of infrastructure and services for international development. Governments and donors generally accept the significance of the link between the provision of infrastructure services and the elimination of poverty. Through appropriate technology and integrated approaches the capital requirement could be reduced to an affordable size. Universities need to educate their students to meet this challenge. At the same time, being the center of intellectual discussion and debate be able to prepare themselves to undertake such tasks. WEDC is one of the world’s leading institutions concerned with the planning, provision and management of infrastructure and services for sustainable development. We focus primarily on issues related to water supply and sanitation but are increasingly diversifying to deal with other aspects of infrastructure services and the environment.

Founded in 1971, WEDC has established a world wide reputation for education, training, research and consultancy. In 1998 we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in recognition of our contribution to international development. We emphasise the integration of multi-disciplinary perspectives in improving the environment and have a particular commitment to strengthening professional and management capacity in the water supply and sanitation sector. Our courses are designed to cater for the needs of a wide range of professionals who are working, or intend to work in the international water and sanitation sector. Whether you are a young graduate wishing to specialise in water supply and sanitation, a mature professional wanting to improve your knowledge of management and the environment, or whether you wish to follow a career helping poor and deprived communities, you will find a programme suitable to your needs.