National Sanitation Policy.

This Sanitation Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The goals of this Policy are: (i) effective, socially acceptable, and technically appropriate sanitation to sustain social and environmental wellbeing, and the development of Kiribati, (ii) improved sewerage and sanitation systems to protect freshwater sources, lagoon waters and the environment from pollution, (iii) reduction in deaths and illnesses due to water-borne diseases through improved sanitation, community health and hygiene practices, and (iv) efficient and effective sewerage and sanitation services.
Technically appropriate and cost-effective sewerage and sanitation options will be developed for the urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Access to effective and reliable sewerage and sanitation systems will be increased especially in South Tarawa, and the Outer Islands. In order to improve understanding of effective sanitation and the benefits to improved community health, natural resources and the environment, community awareness will be raised on the protection of freshwater sources, lagoon waters and the environment from pollution and degradation. Community support and commitment will be obtained for appropriate sewerage and sanitation options and sustainable operations. Sanitation, community health and hygiene practices will be improved through community health education, awareness and behaviour. The risk of water-borne diseases will be reduced by preventing cross-contamination of water supplies and ground water sources from the impacts of human and animal wastes. Moreover maintenance and operation of public systems and household sanitary installations and fittings will be improved. The planning and implementation of the sanitation sector will be improved to deliver efficient and effective sewerage and sanitation services. Therefore the roles of the state institutions and organizations, private sector, NGOs and the community will be strengthened. Existing relevant legislations will be reviewed and updated in accordance with this Policy's objectives. The operation and management of sewerage and sanitation systems will be developed through adequate financing for long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
The resilience to extreme events, climate variability and climate change will be increased through the assessment of the implications of global climate change and the likely impacts on the options for sanitation and environment.
The National Strategic Policy and Risk Assessment Unit shall review national policies of strategic importance and of long-term risk and facilitate inter-ministry coordination on specific issues of national importance. The National Water and Sanitation Coordination Committee chaired by the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities shall coordinate the implementation across Ministries and civil society through the involvement of representative NGOs, the Council of Churches and other national organisations, and monitor and report the implementation of this policy.