Access to safe water for every household in Kenya is very crucial for a healthier nation yet this dream is yet to be realized with minimal efforts in addressing it.
Millions of households find it difficult to get the water for basic consumption while some who may be lucky are walking hundreds of kilometers to get it in unprotected water sources. In the available sources they share with animals and other activities increasing the prevalence of water borne diseases due to contamination.
As a country we must realize that access to safer water is not a privilege but a necessary basic need. Taking the right steps in ensuring availability of safer water is a responsibility of each one of us in collaboration with all our authorities and government.
Every Kenyan is paying tax and the government must be responsible in providing access to water through initiatives such as drilling of bore holes, promoting proper water utilization education and sanitation awareness, providing rain water harvesting equipment, establishment of water treatment facilities in available water sources as well as incorporating technology in drilling, monitoring supply and treatment of water.
When county and national budget are being discussed water is rarely on the table but we prioritize other developmental activities such as roads and housing. It is time we reconsider our priorities to ensure equal allocation of resources in water sector. Having good roads and houses with safer water for consumption must complement each other.
People must also be ready to ensure accountability from those given mandate to implement water projects ensuring every penny is used in the right manner. Availability of water does not mean that the water is clean for consumption but public awareness in ensuring education on healthy water usage, storage and distribution is equally important for safer water.
The problem of safer water is not only experienced in rural areas but even urban towns are faced with the shortage. In our major cities there is water rationing and in extreme extent dirty untreated water finds its way into the households therefore endangering the lives of consumers, children being more vulnerable.
In some parts of the country bore holes are drilled but not properly managed therefore contaminated while in others they don’t function totally despite millions of taxpayers’ money pumped into these projects. It is a collective responsibility for all stakeholders to make sure that clean and safe water access is available.
Access to safe and clean water is about dignity, healthy living and equality therefore every Kenyan regardless of where they live must enjoy their rights of accessing safe and clean water with ease.
