Accessing drinking water ‘a battle’ in French overseas territory Mayotte

In response to severe drought, Mayotte takes drastic measures to ensure access to water

Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, is currently facing the most severe drought it has experienced in decades. The lack of water has led to desperation among the locals and has exacerbated tensions in a region already grappling with high crime rates.

Water scarcity and its impact on the population

Since September 4, residents of Mayotte have only had access to water supply for two out of three days on average. This shortage is a result of the worst drought the region has seen since the late 1990s. Over the past six months, local authorities have implemented measures to conserve the remaining water resources.

The recent water cuts have been the most severe so far, with varying intensity across different towns. Some residents have reported having access to a limited amount of water on good days, while others have experienced complete water shortages and undrinkable tap water. By April, Mayotte’s primary reservoirs were less than half full, compared to nearly full capacity the previous year.

Challenges faced by the population

The water crisis in Mayotte has led to significant challenges for its inhabitants. Many residents have resorted to collecting water from neighbors who have set up water tanks. The poor quality of tap water has resulted in health issues such as stomach aches, leading to an increase in sales of anti-diarrhea medicines.

Access to clean drinking water has become a battle for the residents of Mayotte. Bottled water prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for many to afford an essential resource. Mayotte is the poorest department in France, with a significant portion of the population living on less than €160 per month.

Causes of the water crisis

The water crisis in Mayotte can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, the inadequate water treatment infrastructure and leakage issues have contributed to the scarcity of water. Secondly, climate change has resulted in reduced rainfall in the region, leading to dried-up rivers and a delay in the rainy season.

The water supply in Mayotte heavily relies on two hill reservoirs, both of which have experienced a significant decrease in their capacity due to the drought. Plans for a third reservoir and a water desalination facility have faced delays and challenges.

Government response and future outlook

In response to the water crisis, the French government is sending a military cargo ship to deliver 600,000 liters of drinking water to Mayotte. The ship is expected to arrive on September 20 and will prioritize supplying water to the most vulnerable sectors of the population.

However, residents remain skeptical about the government’s ability to resolve the long-standing water crisis. They express frustration at the lack of action taken in previous years and fear that the situation may worsen, leading to increased tensions and potential security issues.

Ultimately, the residents of Mayotte are left waiting for rainfall in November, hoping for an end to the water crisis that has plagued their daily lives.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.

2. Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
   • Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. SDGs Addressed: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action

   The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 6 as they discuss the severe drought and the lack of access to safe and affordable drinking water in Mayotte. Additionally, the article mentions the poor water quality and its impact on the health of locals, which relates to SDG 6’s focus on improving water quality. The article also addresses SDG 13 as it discusses the role of climate change in causing the water crisis in Mayotte.

2. Specific Targets: Target 6.1, Target 6.3, Target 13.1

   Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

   • Target 6.1: Achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improving water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Target 13.1: Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Indicators: Indicator 6.1.1, Indicator 6.3.2, Indicator 13.1.1, Indicator 13.1.2

   The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. The article highlights the lack of access to safe drinking water and the need for improved water supply.
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. The article discusses the poor water quality in Mayotte and its impact on the health of locals.
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. The article mentions the tensions and protests caused by the water crisis, which can be considered a climate-related hazard.
   • Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The article mentions the need for improved water treatment infrastructure and the government’s efforts to address the water crisis.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: france24.com

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