Eritrean Water Quality Standard, the Planned Sanitation Strategy of Eritrea and many other
policy instruments are implemented. Promulgation of environmental protection and
rehabilitation are also in place. Furthermore, regulations and directives are also planned to
further strengthen the respect and protection of water rights to every citizen. This includes
urban water supply services management, national water tariff/pricing system, internal
grievance procedures and dispute settlement between/among different users.
159.
At independence, about 7% of the rural population in Eritrea had access to safe drinking
water. The Government invested huge amount of resources in water security and the
promotion of water rights. Hence, current estimates show that 85.5% have access (Refer
table below water accessibility progress by year since 1999) to secured water supply schemes (rural
79.5 %, urban 95%). The total capital budget invested since independence (until 2014) for
achieving this progress amounts more than 6,355,429,524 Nakfa (USD 403,519,334.86).
Year
Urban
Rural
General
2001
50
20
30
02
03
04
63
25
33
05
41
06
90
59
71
07
08
09
65
73
71
74
10
>90
77
78
11
>90
79
12
>90
78
80
13
>90
14
>90
15
>90
82
83
85
16
95
79.5
85.5
160.
By 2018 the government plans to reach 90% water availability and accessibility at an
affordable level. Recognizing that almost 20.5% in rural areas do not have access to safe
water, the task ahead is indeed challenging. Hence, a serious rethinking of overall water
resources planning and management in the face of chronic drought, falling water tables and
gaps in hydro geological data has been going on in the last decade. As discussed earlier, the
issue of sanitation and personal and domestic hygiene is also a major issue.
Education and human right
161.
Education is an issue of social justice and is respected and protected as a right through
the provisions of all aspects of the established institutional and legal framework of the State.
The underlying principle is the right of every citizen to have equitable access, continuity and
quality education. Equality in education has been sanctioned by National Law and is
monitored by the concerned regulatory bodies. It is also enforced by the local and regional
administrations. The National Education Policy reviewed in 2012 has further consolidated
the State‟s commitment to the sector highlighting its critical role in national development.
Education has thus been linked to national unity and citizenship, promotion of national
interest and building progressive morality. Hence, it is based on the context, needs and
human betterment ideals of the society and has served the promotion of human dignity,
security and development of the Eritrean people. Education is free in Eritrea!
Equitable Access and Coverage
162.
During the reporting period equitable access and coverage has been expanded. As part of
the effort to promote integrated early childhood development, pre-school education has
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