“This means that for the UN, the right to water and sanitation is contained in existing human rights treaties and is, therefore, legally binding.
The right to water and sanitation is a human right, equal to all other human rights, which implies that it is justiciable and enforceable.
Africa has a serious water crisis, despite the continent boasting of having numerous natural water sources such as lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, springs, rainwater, aquifers, and ocean waters.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 40% of Africa’s Sub-Saharan population still lacks access to safe water.
One of the UN’s SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals) includes ensuring all humanity has access to clean and safe drinking water.
Over 300 million Africans lack access to clean drinking water and 700 million are living in poor conditions without adequate sanitation.
Lack of access to water has frustrated poverty reduction efforts and hindered economic prosperity.
In addition, 40 billion hours per year, which could have otherwise been used on productive activities, are spent searching for water.
Sadly, Africa’s water problems have continued to compound and the continent now faces a serious problem.
Experts have pointed out that most people in Africa rely on surface water, yet the continent lacks the financial capability and technology to invest in groundwater harnessing such as the digging of wells.