Pender Co. residents express concerns about lack of clean drinking water and internet access

Residents in Pender County Seek Solutions for Drinking Water and Internet Access Issues

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Some residents in Pender County have been facing challenges with drinking water quality and a lack of internet access for an extended period of time. These issues highlight the importance of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7).

Drinking Water Issues

Larry Highsmith, a resident of Willard, has been struggling with the quality of water he receives from a well for the past 15 years. The water is rust-colored and unsuitable for drinking, cooking, or laundry. Highsmith and other residents are calling for access to clean water from Pender County Utilities to improve their quality of life and meet SDG 6.

Cheryl Highsmith, who lives next door to Larry, emphasizes the necessity of clean drinking water, especially for individuals with health conditions. She had a kidney transplant 11 years ago and relies on five bottles of water per day. Access to clean water is a basic human right and aligns with SDG 6.

Lack of Internet Access

Another issue raised during the county commissioner meeting was the lack of high-speed internet access in rural communities throughout Pender County. County manager David Andrews acknowledges this problem and assures residents that efforts are underway to address it, in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Andrews states that 98 percent of the county will have high-speed internet coverage within a few years. Some areas near the Sampson County line may even have access by the end of this year. He emphasizes the importance of connectivity for further development and economic opportunities in Pender County, aligning with SDG 9.

In the meantime, Andrews suggests that residents without broadband access can utilize free resources such as the Wi-Fi available at the library.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by residents in Pender County regarding drinking water quality and internet access underscore the need to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals. Ensuring clean water and reliable internet connectivity are crucial for improving quality of life, promoting economic growth, and achieving sustainable development in the county.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
   • Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.

Analysis

The article highlights two main issues: clean drinking water and lack of internet access. These issues are connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The issue of clean drinking water is directly related to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The target identified in the article is:

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

This target aligns with the residents’ demand for clean drinking water from Pender County Utilities.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The lack of internet access in rural communities is connected to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. The target identified in the article is:

• Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.

This target reflects the county manager’s statement about working to fix the lack of high-speed internet access and ensuring connectivity for further development.

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

1. Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

This indicator can be used to assess the proportion of the population that has access to safe and affordable drinking water. It aligns with the residents’ demand for clean drinking water from Pender County Utilities.

2. Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology

This indicator can be used to measure the extent of internet access in a population. It reflects the county manager’s statement about working towards providing high-speed internet access to rural communities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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: wect.com

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