For some, the ability to provide a toilet a factor in choosing husband

MEXICO CITY – Africa’s lack of running water and sewer problems are so severe that some impoverished women base their choice of a husband on whether he can provide a toilet, rather than a trench latrine or nothing at all, an aid agency has said.

Anna Tibaijuka of the United Nations Habitat agency recently recounted the story of one young African woman whose family wouldn’t agree to her marriage, because the intended husband had no bathroom in his house. “The lack of water and sanitation in Africa’s slum settlements can change a girl’s life,” she said.”A girl from the slums will try to get a husband …who can at least provide a toilet.That’s the extent of the need.”Tibaijuka’s comments came during the presentation of a report on the water situation on the African continent, at the 4th World Water Forum whichwas held in Mexico City at the end of last month.- Nampa-AP * See also page 6.”The lack of water and sanitation in Africa’s slum settlements can change a girl’s life,” she said.”A girl from the slums will try to get a husband …who can at least provide a toilet.That’s the extent of the need.”Tibaijuka’s comments came during the presentation of a report on the water situation on the African continent, at the 4th World Water Forum whichwas held in Mexico City at the end of last month.- Nampa-AP * See also page 6.