Way of Water: a journey through Belgium with(out) water

ADDIS ABEBA - The Nile is vital for the survival of 160 million people in its ten basin countries. Egypt, for instance, has virtually no other source of water. Ninety per cent of its population lives in the narrow, fertile Nile Valley. In Ethiopia, as a result of a 1929 agreement, farmers are unable to use Nile water to improve their agriculture.

BRUSSELS – Drinking water is arguably one of the most strictly regulated foodstuffs. After all, it is vital for life and consumed in large quantities every day. The water that European water companies pump through their pipes is clean. But what about the water that comes out at the other end of the pipe?

TASHKENT / TERMZ / KABUL – The Taliban’s Qosh Tepa Canal is without a doubt a mega-project. It is being built in Afghanistan but will be fed by water from the Amu Darya – the region’s largest river, which lies on the border with Uzbekistan. For Uzbek farmers, this threatens to be a disaster. Europe, too, is keeping a close eye on developments, as a conflict in Central Asia would be most unwelcome.