Discover What's a Toilet Worth?
Nicaragua joins the global study Economics of Sanitation Initiative (ESI), conducted by the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) in more than 25 countries throughout Asia and Africa. The study in Nicaragua assessed the economic losses in health, tourism, lost time, water resources and other welfare implications caused by lack of sanitation. The main findings, published in the new WSP report, Economic Impact of Sanitation in Nicaragua (Phase I), include:
The economic losses caused by the lack of sanitation and hygiene in 2009 were US$95 million (C$1,900 million), equivalent to 1.5% of its GDP.
The 75% of economic losses correspond to Health, accounting US$70.3 million to the sector, 13% correspond to Tourism accounting US$12 million in losses.
The lack of sanitation causes great economic losses, not only in households, but also at commercial and public level. e.g., the practice of open defecation and use of shared facilities led to losses estimated at US$8.7 million.
The findings support the need for more investment in sanitation infrastructure, in promoting better hygiene practices and in direct investments to urban and rural areas poor.
Ultimately, this study calculates the savings that could be attained and proposes recommendations prioritizing the most vulnerable segments.
The new report is also available in Spanish.
For more information, visit wsp.org/ESI
