Time of Malta 22nd March 2012

School children this morning walked from St Joseph's School to Bizazza Street in Sliema carrying jerry cans, banners and messages about water as part of World Water Day celebrations aimed to focus attention on the importance of water and its sustainable management worldwide.

The event was organised by SOS Malta and the the Resources Ministry's Catch the Drop Campaign.

884 million people worldwide lack access to clean water and 2.6 billion people live without access to basic sanitation facilities.

Many girls in the developing world are unable to go to school as a result of needing to collect water daily for their families' basic needs.

This morning's walk symbolised an act of solidarity by young people in Malta with their counterparts in the developing world, recognising that water is an issue for everyone and action had to be taken for the sustainable management of the world's precious water resources.

This walk was followed by a number of activities aimed at raising awareness of the importance of water conservation, management and access in Malta and the developing world.

SOS Malta invited those interested in ending water poverty to show their support at www.maltawalksforwater.org .

Funds raised through the campaign would go towards the provision of sustainable clean water to schools and rural villages in Uganda through the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems and the construction of wells and boreholes by SOS Malta.