Foreign Aid Cuts Put Clean Water, Lives, and Jobs on the Line

At a time when millions of people around the world rely on lifesaving access to water, and when the water sector provides critical jobs through the efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), some of the world’s wealthiest nations have turned their backs on low- and middle-income countries by slashing their foreign aid budgets. 

These sudden cuts, particularly programs funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have put vulnerable communities in life-threatening situations. Once a global leader in water sector investment, USAID averaged $1 billion annually in support of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs worldwide. Now, as the agency is being absorbed into the U.S. State Department and reduced to a shell of its former self, that critical funding is disappearing. The consequences are not just humanitarian but economic: experts estimate that every $1 invested in WASH yields at least $4 in return through improved health, productivity, and economic growth.

Now, facing drastic funding gaps, many nonprofits have been forced to make heartbreaking decisions to pause or shut down crucial water programs.

In the case of support from the United States, the impact extends far beyond the federal budget. The Trump administration’s retreat from a half-century of precedent as the ardent supporter of international development efforts has resulted in U.S.A.I.D. halting its world-leading WASH expertise and capacity-building experience through a once-large, highly-trained staff with deep experience working with foreign governments and partnering with organizations. 

In short order, the budget-cutting move has far-reaching implications, impacting countless lives in underserved communities already struggling to keep the taps flowing.

“After decades of global progress, many countries will no doubt experience backsliding in water and sanitation access due to the funding and manpower shortfall,” said Peter Macy, founder and president of ROCKBlue. “We may be a small organization, but we’re committed to continuing to make a big difference in the communities in which we operate. So, we’re planning to expand into new countries in this challenging environment, in addition to helping some WASH pros in need of opportunities.”

Since our founding some 11 years ago, we have developed a reputation for being one of the world’s most effective urban WASH-focused nonprofits. 

Many NGOs have been forced to scale back their work, but we are forging ahead with a new growth plan. Using our low-cost, high-impact model, we’re eyeing new utility partnerships, and increasing our staff by over ten percent, hiring skilled WASH professionals who’ve recently lost their jobs. 

Unfortunately doing so will significantly stretch our already limited resources and deepen our urgent funding for additional funding.

Macy concludes: “Now more than ever, we need support to help ensure we can continue to work with water utilities that provide services to people in need, to increase our footprint and to help WASH professionals who’ve suddenly found themselves out of work.”

We must act now. We need your urgent support to raise $30,000 by June 1st!

Without your support, over 20 million people risk diminished or no access to clean water and sanitation. Your support today can keep the taps flowing and empower dedicated WASH workers to continue their vital work on the frontlines. 

Every minute counts, and every donation makes a difference.

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