The ‘Perfect World’ : Water for All
Safe water is a necessity for human survival, dignity and prosperity. A ‘perfect world’ will be characterized by an uninterrupted supply of safe water at the doorstep of every person. In this ‘perfect world’, such factors as geographical location and wealth status will not determine access to safe water. Rather, being human will be the singular determinant.
Water Access: Harsh Realities
Sadly, for many people across the world, access to safe water remains a remote aspiration. One that has, in some places eluded several generations. They passed on without ever experiencing the joy of quenching their thirst with clean water. Unfortunately, their descendants have been compelled to embrace the cycle of this harsh reality.
A harsh reality in this context is when humans drink water that has a colour code or a perceivable smell. It is when we have to share our source of drinking water with animals. Again, it is when people choose to go thirsty instead of drinking unsafe water. It is when there is no water to prepare food, leaving families to go to bed hungry. Also, it is when you see people fetch and drink dirty water with ease. This shows that they have come to terms with their harsh realities.
It is estimated that over 703 million people across the globe lack access to basic water services and have to endure these harsh realities. I have witnessed these struggles firsthand across many communities in Ghana.
The Flipside and a Bold Aspiration
On the contrary, other people cannot imagine this harsh reality. This is because all their lives they have had easy access to safe water. This should be the lived experience of every person because safe water is a necessity for human wellbeing. The question is, how long will it take to get a universal story where every individual has easy access to safe water?
Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 trumpets the deep desire for the speedy manifestation of this ‘perfect world’ where all people have access to safe and affordable water. I believe that this dream can become a reality: people can see, touch and taste it. But it will take the commitment of leaders and citizens across the globe.
A Deep Statement and Conclusion
A statement made by the late Torgbe Atidema, chief of Agave-Torve – a community where I coordinated a water extension project in 2015 -, sums the indignity of drinking unsafe water. He said, “This is not water human beings should drink … rather for animals”. This statement echoes each time I see people drinking unsafe water.
Everybody deserves access to clean water irrespective of their sex, age, tribe, political affiliation, geographical location or wealth status. They are human beings with dignity that must be protected. Drinking unsafe water tramples their dignity underfoot. Every country must prioritise access to safe water for all. Let us rise to this clarion call and make the world a better place.
Happy World Water Day!
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This is a beautiful and insightful post.
It’s truly disheartening and deeply troubling to contemplate the health repercussions and intensified suffering caused by consuming contaminated water.
In recent years, our actions have exacerbated this situation, and unfortunately, the consequences extend not only to our present but also to future generations . The pursuit of profit and greed has led to destructive practices like mining in our water bodies, introducing harmful chemicals. The term “Galasey” aptly captures this detrimental impact, pulling us down further.
May we urgently discover a remedy for this menace, safeguarding the well-being of both the current and upcoming generations. 🌊💧
Thank you Yram.
It is the sad reality of many. Unfortunately, human activities are worsening the situation.
Definitely, everybody has a role to play. Especially leaders have a role to play in creating environments that frown on such acts of public health concern and at the same make it easier for people to access clean water.
The stark reality in our part of the world. Access to clean water must not be a privilege but a right for all. We can tell the heart in the message. Thank you for the good work.
Well said Zimran. Everyone has the right to clean water.
Thank you.