Access to Water

The terrible drought in East Africa is a reminder of the massive global problems relating to access to water. The following are highlights from a 2006 UN report:

• Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water

• 2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation

• 5,000 children a day or 1.8 million each year die as a result of diarrhea

• Close to half of all people in developing countries suffer at any given time from a health problem caused by water and sanitation deficits

Sub-Saharan Africa loses about 5% of GDP, or some $28.4 billion annually, as a result of health spending, productivity losses and labour diversions relating to the water and sanitation deficit. This figure exceeds the total aid flows and debt relief to the region in 2003.

The UN concluded that the scarcity at the heart of the global water crisis is rooted in power, poverty and inequality, rather than physical availability. This is illustrated by the fact that just 12 percent of the world’s population uses 85 percent of its water.

One factor contributing to this inequality is the commoditisation of water. While access to water is commonly considered to be a human right, water is increasing coming under the control of multinational corporations. The World Bank, IMF and others have encouraged countries around the world to privatise water access in the hope of increased efficiency. As a result, the poor have sometimes found themselves being shut out as prices have risen beyond affordability. 

Tackling the global water crisis and providing universal access to safe water will involve action from a number of groups, including governments, corporations, activists, as well as local people in water-deprived areas. There are no ready-made blueprints for success and there are not likely to be any easy solutions.

Pray for wisdom for governments in developing strategies for water and sanitation at both national and international levels. Pray for a spirit of cooperation between politicians, business leaders and others involved in bring about necessary changes. Without understanding or common goals, the lives of people, and prospects for a healthy future are at risk.