Kiribati : National report to the United Nations Convention to combat desertification (UNCCD) / Prepared by the Environment and Conservation Division

One of the most oppressive and catastrophic experiences is to be trapped in a desert for some time without water and cover. The search for water to quench a lingering thirst can be a misery. Water obviously is a necessity for life. Water in its various forms is an essential media for transport, trade, and communication apart from other uses such as for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, gardening, fire fighting, and manufacturing processes. The quality as well as the adequacy of water has a significant impact on the level of sanitation, personal hygiene and economic status of a locality. Water shortage in drought stricken areas is the root cause of poor sanitation and consequently the occurrence of water-borne diseases and epidemics