Source: “Africa, Decade, Water for Life, 2015, UN-Water, United Nations, MDG, Water, Sanitation, Financing, Gender, IWRM, Human Right, Transboundary, Cities, Quality, Food Security.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/africa.shtml.
Abstract: The title is ironic. It is a hook to draw the reader to show that there is barely a water supply for 50 years in many parts of Africa. This article is more statistics than anything. The most important stat is that there is only 61% current water coverage in Africa. The target number is 75%, which is a long way away given the circumstances in Africa when it comes to clean and safe water. Without continuous change, Africa slides into periods of stalling and little to no change. There are many issues that parallel the drought, such as food issues, economic issues, and climate change.
Reaction: This article opened my eyes to the real problem. I work better with numbers than with words, and seeing statistics allows me to see the magnitude of a problem. As the problem progresses, there will be more countries that are willing to help, but there is no direct way to help. The regions in Africa that need attention are in unlucky locations. It is hard and expensive to get water flowing into these regions and could cost more than most can pay.
I think that it’s astounding that this issue isn’t more mainstream. If people are running out of water other countries should be working to create the new technology that would enable people to get the basic staples they need to survive.
I agree that such a large gap in water coverage is an issues. I am curious what is being done to solve this problem and what kind of affect this has on the peoples?
I agree with this. I think it’s very unfortunate that these countries can’t get water. Is there any countries that help so far?
I agree that this is very unfortunate for these countries. What countries are giving them water currently?
Thus issue is an example of a problem that must be solved or mitigated before it is too late. I’m aware of the problems in South Africa and we are seeing similar circumstances occurring more frequently due to climate change? What countries are currently stepping in?
This is a big issue throughout our world and this article made me feel very privileged that I have access to clean water. Is America currently helping Africa with this issue?