ABSTRACT
In order to provide successful water-related development and services within the African ASM context we need to understand the overlap between community and occupational health and safety, and the overlap of household and workplace.
It is important to develop an integrated approach to water-related health, safety, and sanitation in Africa. Such an approach allows us to bridge the communication gap between local communities and donor organizations and development programs.
Water plays an indispensable role in all aspects and in all stages of ASM and affected communities. In general, all mining and mineral processing operations require water, and maintaining life requires clean water.
Wet and slippery workplace conditions cause many accidents, and many endemic diseases are waterborne. Water-related diseases can be caused by contamination of water from both surface water and groundwater sources.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene, reach beyond the boundaries of traditional health care and public health sectors.
