POTABLE WATER ACCESS AND MANAGEENT IN AFRICA: IMPLICATIONS FOR POVERTY, HUNGER AND HEALTH
Abstract
This review study analyzed secondary data for situational analysis of poor access and management of potable water in Africa. Corruption and poor governance in water sector are contributory factors. In many African countries, up to 50% water is wasted to leakages in pipes and canals and illegal connections. Two-fifth of Africans lack improved water supply, 60.2% have access to improved drinking water source, and 36% have access to improved sanitation facilities. Only 1.6% gain access annually to improved drinking water sources, while 1% gain access annually to improved sanitation facilities. About 20.7% of African countries had less than 50% of their population with access to potable water in 2004. Lack of access to potable water exacerbates poverty and dictates health and economic crises. Health issues are miscarriages, birth defects, and infantile health challenges, such as methaemoglobinemia and dehydration, among others. People suffering from illnesses related to poor sanitation occupy 50% of
hospital beds in sub-Sahara Africa. And, these illnesses account for 12% of the health budget. Commitment to provision of potable water, improved water management and supply, and sound propoor health policies are recommended to provide the needed preventive healthcare against waterrelated maladies in Africa.
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