WATER campaigner Dave Shurlock recently visited MP Jeremy Hunt at his constituency surgery in Hindhead to tell him about WaterAid’s continuing campaign to bring clean water and toilets to the millions in the world who still lack these basic facilities.

Mr Shurlock, a Upper Hale resident, said: “I thanked Jeremy for the big role played by the UK Government in getting universal access to safe water and sanitation for all by 2030 accepted as a UN goal.

“He kindly agreed to speak to Priti Patel, the new International Development Secretary, to pass on the request that she prioritise water and sanitation in future UK development plans.

“Also the request that any health and education projects that her department supports have water and sanitation facilities integrated into the schemes and to encourage other Governments to do the same.”

Mr Hunt said he understood the concerns having seen at first hand the problems of a lack of sanitation on a visit to the slums of Nairobi.

Mr Shurlock added: “I explained that as well as sanitation being a human rights and health issue, keeping communities healthy increases productivity and opportunity. Investing in water and sanitation systems has tremendous economic rewards – at least $3 return for every $1 spent on sanitation.”

To support WaterAid’s Toilets Save Lives petition or for more information about the local WaterAid group call Dave on 07934 839608 or visit the website www.wateraidwestsurrey.org.