Life Orientation

school based Assessmen

POOR ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER

SIMEON ANThONY GR12 Class 4

 INTRODUCTION

Activity 1:

1. Poor access to clean water refers to the lack of availability of safe and clean drinking
water for a population. This can result from various factors such as inadequate
infrastructure, contamination of water sources, or limited financial resources for water
treatment. Poor access to clean water can lead to waterborne diseases, malnutrition,
and overall poor health. It also disproportionately affects marginalized communities and
can hinder economic development. Inadequate access to clean water is a significant
global challenge that requires attention to ensure the basic human right to clean and
safe drinking water for all.

2. There are several underlying factors contributing to the limited availability of clean
water in our country. Some of these factors include:
 Pollution: Industrial and agricultural activities can lead to water pollution, making it
unsafe for consumption.
 Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure for water treatment and distribution can limit
access to clean water, especially in rural areas.
 Climate Change: Changes in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures can lead to
droughts, affecting water availability.
 Population Growth: Rapid population growth can strain water resources, leading to
scarcity.
 Poor Governance: Inefficient water management and lack of regulations can contribute
to water scarcity and contamination.
 Conflict: In regions affected by conflict, access to clean water can be severely limited.
 Economic Factors: Limited financial resources can hinder investment in water
infrastructure and treatment facilities.
Addressing these factors requires a multi-faceted approach, including investment in
infrastructure, sustainable water management practices, and policies to mitigate
pollution and climate change effects.

3. In my experience, poor service delivery in my community has been

frustratingly evident, particularly with the frequent occurrence of load-
shedding and the neglect of municipal parks and recreation areas.
Countless evenings have been disrupted by sudden power outages,
leaving households in darkness and disrupting daily routines. Additionally, the sorry
state of our local parks reflects a lack of upkeep and investment, depriving residents,
especially children, of safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces. These issues not only
diminish the quality of life but also highlight the failure of local authorities to prioritize
essential services and uphold their responsibility to the community.
 Literature and article review

Activity 2

1.
Poor access to clean water is regarded as a human rights violation because Lack of
clean water can lead to waterborne diseases, causing illness and even death,
particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Which
infringes on the fundamental human right, the right to health, food, and an adequate
standard of living. Inadequate access to clean water can hinder agricultural productivity
and economic development, perpetuating poverty and inequality further infringing on the
rights of people. So poor access to clean water is regarded as a human rights violation
because it directly infringes upon several fundamental rights that are universally
recognized.

2. The legislation in South Africa addressing the issue of poor access to clean water is
the National Water Act of 1998. The purpose of this act is to ensure the sustainable and
equitable use of water resources for the benefit of all South Africans. The act mandates
the protection of water quality and ecosystems, setting standards for the treatment and
disposal of wastewater and pollutants to safeguard water sources and mitigate pollution
risks. It also promotes water conservation and efficiency measures to address water
scarcity and ensure the long-term availability of clean water for current and future
generations.

3.Additional issues that can arise in a community due to unequal access to clean water
are Health disparities ; Unequal access to clean water can lead to disparities in health
outcomes within a community. Contaminated water sources can result in
waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea,
disproportionately affecting marginalized populations who lack access
to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. These health disparities
violate the right to health as recognized by international human rights
instruments. Including Education Inequities; Limited access to clean
water can hinder educational opportunities, particularly for children.
Without access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools,
children may face challenges in maintaining personal hygiene, leading
to increased absenteeism and reduced academic performance. Addressing this issue
from a human rights perspective involves ensuring that all children have access to clean
water and adequate sanitation facilities in educational settings, as education is a
fundamental human right. And, Economic Impacts; Unequal access to clean water can
exacerbate poverty and economic inequality within a community. Individuals who spend
significant time and resources obtaining water from distant or contaminated sources
may have less time and energy to engage in income-generating activities or pursue
education and employment opportunities. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and
deprivation, undermining the right to an adequate standard of living as enshrined in
international human rights law.

4.1 Government policies play a crucial role in addressing issues of water accessibility
and quality by providing a regulatory framework, allocating resources, and implementing
targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to clean water for all citizens. Firstly,
policies can establish standards and regulations for water management, treatment, and
distribution, setting guidelines to safeguard water quality and protect water resources
from pollution and contamination. Additionally, government policies can allocate funding
for the development and maintenance of water infrastructure, such as water treatment
plants, distribution networks, and sanitation facilities, particularly in underserved
communities. Moreover, policies can promote water conservation measures, public
awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives to encourage
responsible water usage and ensure the sustainability of water resources. Furthermore,
government policies can address socio-economic disparities by prioritizing the needs of
marginalized populations and implementing affirmative action programs to improve
access to clean water in rural areas, informal settlements, and impoverished urban
neighborhoods. Overall, government policies play a pivotal role in addressing water
accessibility and quality issues by providing a comprehensive and coordinated
approach to water management, regulation, and service delivery, ultimately contributing
to the realization of the human right to water for all citizens.

4.2 Government structures play a crucial role in addressing issues of water accessibility
and quality through various mechanisms and interventions. Firstly, establishing
dedicated water management authorities and regulatory bodies enables effective
oversight and enforcement of water policies and regulations. These entities can monitor
water resources, enforce water quality standards, and coordinate efforts to improve
infrastructure and distribution networks. Additionally, incorporating water management
responsibilities into existing government departments, such as ministries of water
resources or environmental agencies, ensures a coordinated approach to addressing
water-related challenges.
Moreover, government structures can facilitate the allocation of resources and funding
for water infrastructure development and maintenance. By prioritizing investment in
water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and wastewater treatment plants,
governments can expand access to clean water and improve water quality in
underserved communities. Furthermore, implementing policies and programs that
promote water conservation, efficiency, and sustainable use can help mitigate water
scarcity and enhance long-term water security.

Additionally, government structures play a critical role in promoting stakeholder

engagement and participation in water governance processes. Establishing
mechanisms for public consultation, community involvement, and partnerships with civil
society organizations can ensure that water management decisions are inclusive,
transparent, and responsive to the needs of affected communities. By fostering
collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, businesses, and civil
society actors, governments can leverage diverse expertise and resources to address
complex water challenges more effectively.

Overall, government structures play a pivotal role in addressing issues of water

accessibility and quality by providing governance frameworks, allocating resources,
implementing policies and programs, and promoting stakeholder engagement. By
adopting a holistic and integrated approach to water management, governments can
contribute to achieving universal access to clean water, safeguarding water
resources, and promoting sustainable development for present and
future generations.