The city of Kabul is growing
rapidly, making it difficult for the infrastructure to support its population.
As a result, drinking water is becoming increasingly contaminated. According to
government officials, an estimated 70% of water is said to be safe, which still
leaves a large majority of the population with unsafe water. In these areas,
the citizens must boil their water before consumption or bathing. Ironically,
Afghanistan has major sources of pristine water, however the cost of delivery
and the risk of violence is too great to distribute the water. This leaves many
in the population who are not wealthy enough to have modern water treatment and
septic systems at the risk for waterborne diseases.
Water can often be overlooked as a valuable natural resource because it does not have the monetary benefits of a resource like oil, but it is still valuable in other aspects. By putting a price on the lives saved instead of the cost of delivery, the costs and benefits may become more equal. Water is not only a priceless resource necessary for everyday life, but humans and animals should be able to access clean sources of water equally. Without stable governments and regulations, less developed countries or areas of countries are faced with unjust access to clean water.
Water can often be overlooked as a valuable natural resource because it does not have the monetary benefits of a resource like oil, but it is still valuable in other aspects. By putting a price on the lives saved instead of the cost of delivery, the costs and benefits may become more equal. Water is not only a priceless resource necessary for everyday life, but humans and animals should be able to access clean sources of water equally. Without stable governments and regulations, less developed countries or areas of countries are faced with unjust access to clean water.
Water is one of the most precious resources this planet has to over but is unfortunately not valued as much as it should be. As the example of Kabul shows can an insufficient infrastructure and water supply create immense problems.
ReplyDeleteHumanity should finally start to appreciate water for what it is "life" and treat it accordingly. Awareness is one of the key aspects that could change peoples thinking about water and create actual change. Therefore I think it is important to talk about problems associated with water supply and point out the great problems it created. The Washington Post article about Kabul is hopefully one step in the right direction.