Yet there is a dark side to this picture: despite our progress, half of the world's population still suffers, with water services inferior to those available to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

然而，这种情况也有其黑暗的一面：尽管我们取得了进步，世界上仍有一半的人口在受苦，供水服务还不如古希腊和古罗马人。

youdao

Across Africa, women who used to carry water long distances have gained on average four hours back in their day, thanks to improved (and closer) water services.

在非洲各国，妇女过去需从很远处取水；如今，由于供水服务改善，供水距离缩短，她们平均每天可以节省4小时。

youdao

Operations focus on improving water resource management and extending water services, including water supply and sanitation, irrigation and drainage, and hydropower.

目前，这些项目正在100多个国家实施，其重点内容为改进水资源管理工作，提供供水服务，包括供水与卫生服务、灌溉与排水服务以及水电服务。

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It says many are in urgent need of health and educational services, nutritional support, access to clean water and sanitation, as well as protection.

VOA: standard.2009.07.03

The development community is divided over whether non-profits should give away or sell technology and services as diverse as solar lighting, water filtration,healthcare and education.

VOA: standard.2010.08.09

condemned acts of intimidation against the Brazilian Embassy and called upon the de facto government of Honduras to cease harassing the Brazilian embassy, and to provide all necessary utilities and services, including water,electricity,food, and continuity of communications,".

VOA: standard.2009.09.25

Yet billions of people lack basic water services, and millions die each year from water-related diseases.

FORBES: Is Water A Better Investment Than Oil?

In December, it said it will acquire a 20% stake in Maynilad Water Services Inc.

WSJ: Japanese Firms Are Thirsty for Water Utilities

In addition, official departments like Water Services and the Post Office could be privatized too.

CNN: Hong Kong Packs the Train