According to projections, the global population which is expanding by a few million every day will reach unsustainable figures of nine million by 2050, and this poses a huge problem as we are already facing water shortages in many areas and this burgeoning population will strain our current resources to the limit or even beyond.
Many have questioned whether the world will be able to support such a large population and if so how we are going to be able to supply water to everyone; humans can do without many things, but fresh water is not one of them.
How Can We Best Provide Water for Nine Billion People?
If we are to ensure that there is water and sanitation for everyone then we need to start making plans now to ensure that there will be sufficient water, and this means that we need to start looking after our water resources and managing them far better.
Some of the solutions that could achieve this are:
Establish Accountability Mechanisms: The poorest are always the ones who suffer the most, and to ensure that there is sufficient water for them as well we must ensure that those who do not provide these services to poorest need face some kind of sanction. The poor should be subsidised for these services and subsidies that are currently given to those who can afford to pay for the service should be withdrawn. At the same time, the poor need to be taught how to be more self-reliant, how to conserve water, and how to recycle water. They should also be encouraged to demand a good quality service and to complain to the correct authorities if they do not get it.
Promote Rainwater Harvesting: Almost everyone has heard of rainwater harvesting but how many of us actually know how to do it? Big donors and water agencies and even NGOs need to promote rainwater harvesting in a big way so that individuals and especially farmers can utilise rainwater as much as possible.
Construct Durable and Sustainable Water Points: Studies have shown that in excess of 20% of boreholes and wells fail in the first year post construction, which is especially bad for poor communities who have to contribute to these water points and are then left poorer and still without water. Improved well-drilling practices will ensure that these communities have access to potable water for years to come.
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