HEALTH AND SANITATION 31
Image created with OpenAI ' s ChatGPT( DALL · E)
In many third world countries, the task of retrieving water from wells or rivers can take several hours, with physical and health risks. Many illnesses affect children, who then become unable to attend schooling and get held back in their education, which leads to higher dropout rates and fewer students to pursue post-secondary studies. The access to education as it relates to water even extends into the perspective of gender equality. As women and girls are often responsible for collecting water, and travelling long journeys to obtain it, they face more safety risks and fewer opportunities to spend their time differently. In many developing countries, the task of retrieving water from wells or rivers can take several hours, with physical risks such as harassment, or health risks like exhaustion and chronic pain. So, with clean water provided in a closer proximity, women and girls have the ability to spend time getting an education, working or doing other activities that would typically only be offered to men. All in all, water is a source of empowerment in the economy, socially, and among women and girls.
Water facilitates nationwide prosperity. It generates opportunities for industrial growth, ensures resilience to climate change, and hydropower generation can become a leading source of reusable, clean energy. Aside from agriculture and livestock industries, most factories, manufacturers and mines require easily accessible clean water. With this provided, the industries have the ability to grow and thrive, bettering the economy and allowing the nation to prosper. As more resources become available, water in particular, efforts can expand, which theoretically leads to wealthier citizens in the nation.
Although that may not result in a higher standard of living for the average family, it does create jobs, which may have proven a rare opportunity prior to the economic growth. The establishment of these industries also forces governments to construct proper infrastructure.
Overall, these systems conserve water, and create a new cycle of pollution control and increased accessibility to clean water. This directly provides the resources for the installation of new taps and aids additional communities. Furthermore, if the water is being managed and stored properly, it is more likely to be available even in times of drought.
For many nations global warming means more droughts, and less attainable water, specifically areas without proper management. Proper storage and efforts can make massive change. Eventually, this organisation and control of the resource can facilitate hydropower systems to be installed. As a clean, renewable source of energy, it would lower the emissions and pollutants of nations immensely. This would help to reverse the effects of climate change, encourage the cycle of eco-friendly work, and work to improve conditions for the majority. Ultimately, water is a human right because it can also provide opportunities on all levels – from the individual to the nation and beyond.
Access to water and sanitation is a human right because of the health benefits and assurance of well-being that it generates, it empowers the economy and the individual while contributing to equality, and it inspires opportunities for unimaginable growth. It destroys barriers and provides a level of social cohesion. Above all, it is a human right because of the health benefits and contributions to a higher standard of living. Although there are many challenges in establishing water management systems and providing populations with clean water, it helps to break harmful cycles and allow prosperity. Altogether, all humans deserve access to clean water, and it should be the priority of every nation. PA
“ For many that feel hopeless because of their situation, water can be a source of hope and motivation. It is the building block to ambition and accomplishment.”
January 2026 Volume 31 I Number 11 www. plumbingafrica. co. za