Report

Poor access to water

1. INTRODUCTION
Poor access to clean water refers to the lack of availability of safe and
clean drinking water for a population.
A possible underlying factor leading to the limited availability of water in
our country is pollution. Industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities
can lead to water pollution, making it unsafe for consumption. Another
factor is poor governance. Ineffective governance and management of
water resources can lead to limited access to clean water for
communities.
In my community, poor service delivery challenges are prevalent in
several areas, including education and infrastructure. With regard to
education, schools struggle with large class sizes, making it difficult for
teachers to provide individual attention to students. Insufficient
textbooks, teaching materials, and technology hinder the quality of
education offered to students. Some schools have inadequate
infrastructure, including dilapidated buildings and limited access to basic
amenities. In terms of infrastructure, poor road conditions and lack of
maintenance lead to frequent traffic congestion and vehicle damage.
Inadequate public transportation options make commuting challenging
for residents, especially those without private vehicles. Waste
management and sanitation services are often inadequate, leading to
environmental and health concerns.
 2. LITERATURE AND ARTICLE REVIEW

Poor access to clean water is considered a human rights violation

because access to clean water is essential for life and health. When
individuals do not have access to clean water, their basic human rights
to life, health, and dignity are compromised.
One law in South Africa that addresses poor access to clean water is the
Water Services Act. This law aims to ensure that all South Africans have
access to basic water supply and sanitation services. Its purpose is to
regulate the provision of water services and promote the efficient,
effective, and sustainable use of water resources.
Many issues can arise due to unequal access to clean water. One such
issue is health disparities - lack of clean water can lead to waterborne
diseases and health problems. Socioeconomic inequalities may also
occur. Unequal access to water can deepen existing social and
economic disparities. They can also cause environmental degradation.
Water scarcity and contamination can harm the environment and
ecosystem. From a human rights perspective, these issues can be
addressed by ensuring equal access to clean water for all community
members. Implementing policies that prioritize water quality and
availability may also assist. Promoting community participation and
empowerment in water management decisions is also essential to
resolving these issues.
Government policies play a role in addressing issues of water by setting
standards for water quality, access, and conservation. Government
structures can oversee and regulate water management at different
levels. Collaboration between government levels can ensure coordinated
efforts to address water-related challenges. By focusing on human rights
principles, implementing effective laws, and engaging communities,
governments can play a crucial role in addressing water accessibility and
quality issues for all citizens.
 3. DATA ANALYSIS
PART A

The report indicates that many issues redress equality gaps. Namely, to safely
manage drinking water, safely manage sanitation services, provide basic
service and ensure surface water is treated as well as provide adequate hand
washing facilities.

There are two possible reasons for quicker emergency response times in
cities and suburbs compared to rural and farm areas. The higher population
density in cities and suburbs means that emergency services are more likely
to be located closer to where incidents occur. This proximity allows for quicker
response times compared to rural areas where emergency services may be
spread out over a larger geographic area. Furthermore, infrastructure and
road networks affect this issue. Cities and suburbs typically have more
developed road networks and infrastructure, which can facilitate faster travel
for emergency responders. In contrast, rural and farm areas may have limited
road access, unpaved roads, or longer distances between locations, leading
to slower response times.

PART B

Socio-economic factors have an impact on access to clean water. Income

level affects access to adequate water - low-income households may struggle
to afford clean water, leading to reliance on unsafe water sources. Lack of
financial resources can hinder investment in water infrastructure and
treatment facilities in impoverished areas.
Education and awareness can also impact this issue. Higher levels of
education can lead to better understanding of the importance of clean water
and improved hygiene practices. Lack of education can result in a lack of
awareness about waterborne diseases and proper water treatment methods.
Infrastructure plays a crucial role in providing access to clean water in both
urban and rural areas. In urban areas, well-designed water supply systems,
including reservoirs, pipelines, and water treatment plants, are essential for
ensuring a reliable and safe water supply. Additionally, wastewater treatment
facilities are necessary to manage and treat sewage, preventing
contamination of water sources. In rural areas, infrastructure such as wells,
boreholes, hand pumps, and rainwater harvesting systems are vital for
accessing clean water. These infrastructure components help in extracting
and storing water from natural sources, making it available for domestic and
agricultural use. Furthermore, the construction of water storage tanks and
distribution networks can improve water accessibility in rural communities.
Consuming contaminated water can have several long-term consequences on
food security. It can cause crop contamination and reduce livestock health and
soil quality. Contaminated water used for irrigation can lead to the
accumulation of toxins in crops, affecting their quality and safety for
consumption. Animals consuming contaminated water may suffer from health
issues, reducing the quality and quantity of meat, milk, and other animal
products. Over time, the use of contaminated water for irrigation can degrade
soil quality, affecting the growth of crops and reducing agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, it has negative health impacts. Long-term consumption of
contaminated water can lead to chronic health issues in humans, reducing
their ability to work and produce food, thus impacting food security at the
community level. Additionally, it causes economic burden. Addressing the
consequences of contaminated water on food security can impose a
significant economic burden on communities and governments, affecting their
ability to invest in sustainable food production.
Local governments play a crucial role in ensuring access to safe and clean
water through various means. They play a role in infrastructure development.
Local governments are responsible for building and maintaining water
infrastructure such as treatment plants, pipelines, and distribution networks.
By investing in robust infrastructure, they can ensure that water is properly
treated to meet quality standards and delivered efficiently to residents.
Regular inspections and upgrades help prevent contamination and ensure that
water remains safe to drink. They are also responsible for regulatory
oversight. Local governments establish and enforce regulations related to
water quality and safety. They monitor water sources, conduct testing for
pollutants, and set standards for acceptable levels of contaminants. By
implementing policies and regulations, such as water quality standards and
pollution control measures, local governments can protect water sources from
pollution and minimize health risks for residents. Additionally, they play a vital
role in responding to water quality concerns and emergencies to safeguard
public health.
 4. FINDINGS

Social media can be a powerful tool for reporting poor service delivery in
communities, leading to positive outcomes. It can be used to raise
awareness. Social media platforms allow individuals to share their
experiences of poor service delivery, raising awareness among a wider
audience. This can attract attention from authorities and prompt action to
address the issues. Social media can also be utilized to facilitate
dialogue. Social media platforms provide a space for constructive
dialogue between community members, service providers, and
authorities. This open communication can lead to collaborative problem-
solving and the implementation of effective solutions.

However, social media can be abused whilst reporting poor service

delivery. It can be used to spread false information. Individuals or groups
can spread false or exaggerated information about poor service delivery
on social media platforms. This can manipulate public perception and
create a negative image of a service provider, even if the information is
not entirely accurate. For example, a disgruntled customer may
exaggerate their negative experience with a company's service and
share it on social media, leading to a viral spread of misinformation. It
can also be used to create fake accounts. Astroturfing involves the
creation of fake accounts or the use of bots to give the appearance of
grassroots support for a particular cause or complaint. In the context of
poor service delivery, this can artificially amplify the perception of
widespread dissatisfaction. For example, a company may create fake
accounts to post positive reviews about its services or to discredit
genuine complaints about poor service delivery, creating a false
impression of customer satisfaction. These manipulative tactics can
significantly impact public opinion and influence the reputation of service
providers.
 5. RECOMMENDATIONS

Campaigns, projects, and events can be utilized to raise awareness on

the dangers of consuming contaminated water. By launching targeted
campaigns, organizations can create focused messaging to educate the
public about the risks associated with contaminated water. Using various
marketing channels such as social media, television commercials, radio
ads, and print media, campaigns can reach a wide audience.
Incorporating powerful visuals, statistics, and personal stories can help
grab attention and drive home the importance of clean water in people's
daily lives. Implementing water infrastructure projects in communities
lacking access to clean water not only provides a tangible solution but
also serves as a hands-on way to raise awareness. Community
members can learn about water purification processes, health
implications of consuming contaminated water, and the benefits of clean
water first-hand through project participation. This approach not only
empowers communities but also demonstrates the dire need for clean
water resources. Hosting events centred on the theme of water safety
can be a highly engaging way to educate and engage the public.
Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions featuring water experts,
health professionals, and community leaders can shed light on the
dangers of contaminated water and the importance of water testing and
purification. Additionally, fundraising events for water-related causes can
garner support and contribute to providing clean water solutions for at-
risk communities.

The government can implement systems to ensure accountability of

government officials in providing adequate and quality service delivery.
The first system is performance management systems. Implementing a
robust performance management system can help ensure accountability
of government officials. This system should include clear performance
indicators, regular performance evaluations, and consequences for
underperformance. By tying officials' performance to specific metrics and
outcomes, the government can hold them accountable for providing
adequate and quality service delivery. The second system is
transparency and reporting mechanisms. Establishing transparent
reporting mechanisms, such as public disclosure of officials'
performance data and service delivery metrics, can enhance
accountability. This can include the publication of regular reports on
service delivery, financial expenditures, and outcomes achieved.
Additionally, creating avenues for citizens to report instances of poor
 service delivery or misconduct can help identify and address
accountability issues.

6. REFERENCES

 World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Guidelines on Sanitation and

Health.
 United Nations. (2017). Sustainable Development Goal 6 Synthesis
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 Montgomery, Maggie A., and Menachem Elimelech. 2007. “Water and
sanitation in developing countries: Including health in the equation.”
Environmental Science and Technology. January 1, 2007: American
Chemical Society
 Hunter, Paul R., Alan M. MacDonald, and Richard C. Carter. 2010.
“Water supply and health.” PLoS Med 7(11): e1000361.
 WWAP (World Water Assessment Programme). 2012. The United
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Uncertainty and Risk. Paris, UNESCO.
 Schwarzenbach, Rene P., Thomas Egli, Thomas B. Hofstetter, Urs von
Gunten, and Bernhard Wehrli. 2010. “Global water pollution and human
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