As the World Urban Forum came to a close, countries participating in the Slums Divided by Two exhibition (Slums ÷ 2) donated 280 Jerricans to the Italian Red Cross Red Crescent.
The jerricans were used in the exhibition to demonstrate the existing disparities between those in formal and informal economies and settlements who pay nearly 10 times as much to access the same amount of water.
"I am happy to receive this donation that will go a long way in helping the homeless in central Naples. The jerricans will benefit an existing caseload of 500 people. I urge those in social and political leadership in cities across the world to step up their response to helping the vulnerable and poor," said Dr. Sergio Criscuolo as he received the donation on behalf of the Italian Red Cross.
The Slums ÷ 2exhibition was a demonstration of how cities are grappling with challenges that include provision of basic services such as water, sanitation and shelter. Deprivations facing urban residents in slums such as security of tenure, durability of dwellings and livelihoods were also displayed. The exhibition also provided an opportunity for cities to share and exchange interventions and innovations applied when responding to urban poverty.
The exhibition was a joint initiative by Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme cities and countries who are committed to reduce by half the number of people living in slums by the year 2020.Currently, over 63 cities located in 34 countries across Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries participate in the programme.
