Unequal Distribution of Water
in Sub Sahara Africa
Should access to clean water be a
right to all people?
Water is Life Facts
• More than a billion people lack access to safe
drinking water
• More than 2.5 billion lack access to improved
sanitation
• Each year polluted water contributes to the
deaths of an estimated 15 million children under
the age of five
• By 2020, more than 135 million people could die
of water related diseases, which is more than
those who will die as a result of HIV-AIDS
• What do these facts mean to you?
Africa water facts
• Only 47% of sub-Saharan Africans have access
to safe drinking water
• Industry is not the primary cause of water
pollution in Africa
– Natural causes such as snails, worms, insect larvae,
and other parasites are the main cause
• These organisms cause waterborne diseases
that reduce life expectancy, lessen the quality of
life, and slow economic development
Water Pollution and Poverty
• Water pollution and absence of sanitation….
a major reason is the poverty level in many
countries in Africa
– Meaning the economy in these countries is usually
very low
• In addition to the economy, health issues are a
major concern
– On average 225 out of 1,000 children under the age
of five die every year as a result of unclean drinking
water
• Why do you think they do not have clean
drinking water?
Unequal Distribution of water
• The main conflicts in Africa during the next
25 years could be over water
• Potential “water wars” are likely in areas
where rivers and lakes are shared by more
than one country
• Rivers such as the Nile and Niger are
possible sites for conflict
Potential Water War
• The Niger River is close to Lake Chad
• 20 million people in six countries in west and
central Africa rely on Lake Chad for water. The
lake has shrunk by 95% in the last 38 years
• These areas are listed as having water scarcity
or water stress
• Water scarcity is defined as less than 1,000
cubic meters of water available per person per
year
• Water stress means less than 1,500 cubic
meters of water available per person per year
Is there anything that can be done?
• South Africa is the only country that has
included in its constitution the right that
every person has access to 25 liters of
water per day as part of their human rights
• They have also installed street taps in
strategic locations allowing millions of
people a way to get fresh water
• What about other countries?
Water Bill for the Poor Act
• In 2005, the President of the U.S. signed the
water bill for the poor
• The bill authorizes the president to provide aid to
promote affordable and equitable access to
water around the world
• So should the U.S. continue to spend money on
other countries to help them have access to
clean drinking water?
• Should access to clean drinking water be a
human right? Why/why not?
• What does clean water really cost?
Your Assignment
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Take out a sheet of paper and fold it in half
On one side label it Pro
On the other side label it Con
List at least three reasons why you think the
U.S. should continue to give financial aid to
countries who need clean drinking water on the
pro side
• List at least three reasons why you think the
U.S. should not continue to give financially on
the Con side