The Fight for Clean Water Access: Chad & Mexico – BORGEN

The Importance of Clean Water Access for Sustainable Development

The world is a constantly changing place. Every day, small changes occur, which compound into large differences over time, prompting individuals, groups, and entire countries to adapt. One can see this through modern inventions such as the internet. Still, while innovations in leisure and recreation have culturally changed the wealthiest nations, there are billions of people whose lives would be changed by having access to one of the only survival necessities: clean water.

Water is an unchangeable part of sustaining human life. After the need for oxygen, water is arguably the most important thing and cannot be subsidized through an alternative option. However, only 3% of the world’s water supply is fresh water and out of this small percentage, even less is currently accessible due to freshwater being trapped underground in ice caps and glaciers. However, countries worldwide are taking measures to address the need for clean water with differing approaches. In Chad and Mexico, technology and innovation are helping transform the distribution and consumption of clean water.

Chad and its Commitment to Improved Sanitation Access

Chad is located in the North-Central region of Africa and is currently home to more than 18 million people. It is a landlocked country with a climate of high temperatures and little rainfall. Chad has been very susceptible to the detrimental effects of inadequate water access. Some of the factors behind the country’s lack of freshwater access come from the depletion of existing water sources it has relied on. Lake Chad, one of the region’s most reliable freshwater sources, has rapidly decreased by 95% over the past 35 years due to excessive water extraction and severe droughts. Overall, just 43% of those living in Chad have adequate access to clean water for drinking and only 10% have sufficient sanitation access.

The issue of sanitation is extremely pressing within Chad. The country has an open defecation rate of 68% nationally. One cannot understate the adverse effects of this, one of which is the high rate of infant and child mortality that exists within Chad. The rate of children dying before reaching the age of 5 is startling, with one out of every five children passing before reaching this benchmark. This statistic is primarily due to the high spread of water-related illnesses nationwide. This is compounded by only 17% of children being able to wash their hands with soap and water.

Solutions in Chad

Developing a solution to this issue will be a long process combining education and infrastructure development. However, some communities are experiencing this change and its benefits right now. In the locality Ferrick Djimet, the residents were provided with latrines through the Community Led Total Sanitation program, which allows for the construction of adequate sanitation sources in the area. The results have been tremendous, as Ferrick Djimet and other communities being provided access to proper latrines saw an immediate improvement in the sanitation and safety of their communities.

Mexico – Developing Infrastructure to Increase Water Access

Across the Atlantic Ocean, Mexico is taking similar strides to improve its population’s access to clean water and sanitation. Mexico is home to less than 130 million people, with 81.6% living in urban environments and cities. While a large urban population typically results in a higher proportion of water access, just 43% of those in Mexico have access to a safe source of clean water.

Many direct issues result from this, including high plastic water bottle consumption throughout Mexico. Mexico, as a country, is one of the world’s greatest consumers of bottled water. This not only harms the environment but also creates an unnecessary expense for those who cannot access clean water. Another factor contributing to the lack of water access is the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic resulted in a 30% increase in water consumption throughout Mexico. Overall, these statistics make it very clear that Mexico needs a solution.

The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) in Mexico is taking this issue head-on and has committed to investing more than 90 billion Pesos (about $5 billion) in water projects nationwide. The goal is to increase the accessibility of water and to minimize the adverse effects of drought. Some of the projects include the construction of aqueducts, irrigation districts, and dams. Mexico has 210 dams, but only 15 are filled. If all dams are brought to total capacity, it will significantly impact how water is consumed throughout the country. This will make water available on a much larger scale and increase the number of people with reliable access to clean water.

Conclusion

It is hopeful that one day, every person, no matter where they are, will have a sustainable, clean water source for sanitation and hydration. Countries like Chad and Mexico that recognize these changes and are acting to adapt will set a precedent for others with great examples of the possibilities and positive results that arise from access to clean water.

– Alexandra Straumann
Photo: Flickr

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.
   • Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

   The article discusses the issue of clean water access and sanitation in Chad and Mexico, highlighting the need for improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities. These issues are directly connected to SDG 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. The targets under SDG 6 mentioned in the article are Target 6.1, which focuses on achieving universal access to safe drinking water, and Target 6.2, which aims to achieve access to adequate sanitation and hygiene.

   Indicators related to these targets are not explicitly mentioned in the article.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: borgenmagazine.com

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