THAT most people in Lusaka’s compounds depend on contaminated water is a desolate revelation.
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This is because water is a fundamental human need and in the premise the requirement for clean and safe water cannot be overemphasized.
We all know that polluted water is not just dirty—it’s deadly and has continued to claim millions of lives globally from diarrheal diseases like cholera.
We therefore agree with the concerns expressed by Economic Liberation Association (ELA) a community-based organisation that most people in compounds should not be exposed to contaminated water which they fetch from shallow wells.
ELA must be supported in all efforts to ensure that people in compounds have access to safe and clean water
Director for ELA, Matomola Likwanya rightly points out that rigorous efforts must be taken by all concerned parties to change this obnoxious water picture obtaining in compounds
He was speaking in Lusaka y when his organisation in conjunction with Water Aid distributed chlorine to thousands of Misisi Compound residents.
It is true that many compounds, not only in Misisi are exposed to contaminated water which they fetch from shallow wells for drinking and cooking because they lack alternative sources.
The water gets contaminated because of blocked drainages and poor sanitation thereby posing serious health hazard for the residents.
No doubt, clean, fresh and safe water also helps in getting the body rid of all kinds of toxins, whether they are created due to bodily reactions, obtained from outside sources or ones that occur because of the consumption of contaminated water.
Clean water is not just needed for drinking but for sanitation purposes as well.
Health experts have always said that a human being can survive three weeks without food, but where water is concerned most people cannot last for 3 or 4 days without it!
Dehydration sets in, and even if the person continues to breathe, they will go into shock and become vegetative.
In other words, water is the primary necessity. Without it, a living being simply cannot survive.
Yet, it is a horrific fact that there are millions of Zambians who do not have access to safe and clean water.
