Most Africans do not have access to proper toilets or waste disposal systems. As a result, human waste often ends up in rivers and in groundwater that people use for drinking. Water-borne diseases such as cholera an infection that causes acute dehydration and can kill someone within hours-then spread quickly. The World Health Organization estimates that 115 Africans die every hour from water pollution.

Question

Only about one-sixth of Africans have access to a clean water supply for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Given its scarcity, water is often stored in people's homes, where it can become contaminated and attract mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are common carriers of other diseases, including malaria.

A. How do you think access to clean water impacts the environment and people in Africa?
B. What solutions can you think of to address the specific challenge you chose?
Answer the questions by using the facts from the text. Use the RACES method

Answer 1

A. Access to clean water impacts the environment and people in Africa in several significant ways. The lack of proper sanitation systems leads to the contamination of rivers and groundwater with human waste, which poses a serious threat to public health. According to the World Health Organization, the resulting water pollution contributes to the deaths of 115 Africans every hour due to water-borne diseases such as cholera. This situation not only affects individual health, causing acute dehydration and potential fatalities, but also impacts the broader environment as polluted water bodies can disrupt ecosystems. Furthermore, the scarcity of clean water drives people to store water in their homes, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which transmit diseases like malaria. Therefore, access to clean water is crucial for both the environment and the health of African populations.

B. To address the challenges associated with lack of access to clean water, several potential solutions can be implemented. One effective strategy could be the development of sustainable sanitation and waste disposal systems to prevent human waste from contaminating local water sources. Additionally, investing in community education programs about the importance of hygiene and safe water storage can help reduce the risk of water contamination. Furthermore, local governments and organizations could collaborate to drill and maintain boreholes or wells to provide clean drinking water directly to communities, minimizing reliance on sources that may be contaminated. By employing these solutions, the quality of water can be improved, ultimately reducing the prevalence of water-borne diseases and promoting healthier living conditions in Africa.