1. Unequal Distribution of Water in Sub Sahara Africa
Should access to clean water be a right to all people?

2. Water is Life Facts
More than a billion people lack access to safe drinking water
More than 2.5 billion lack access to improved sanitation
Each year polluted water contributes to the deaths of an estimated 15 million children under the age of five
By 2020, more than 135 million people could die of water related diseases, which is more than those who will die as a result of HIV-AIDS
What do these facts mean to you?

3. Africa water facts
Only 47% of sub-Saharan Africans have access to safe drinking water
Industry is not the primary cause of water pollution in Africa
Natural causes such as snails, worms, insect larvae, and other parasites are the main cause
These organisms cause waterborne diseases that reduce life expectancy, lessen the quality of life, and slow economic development

5. Water Pollution and Poverty
Water pollution and absence of sanitation….
a major reason is the poverty level in many countries in Africa
Meaning the economy in these countries is usually very low
In addition to the economy, health issues are a major concern
On average 225 out of 1,000 children under the age of five die every year as a result of unclean drinking water
Why do you think they do not have clean drinking water?

7. Unequal Distribution of water
The main conflicts in Africa during the next 25 years could be over water
Potential “water wars” are likely in areas where rivers and lakes are shared by more than one country
Rivers such as the Nile and Niger are possible sites for conflict

8. Potential Water War The Niger River is close to Lake Chad
20 million people in six countries in west and central Africa rely on Lake Chad for water. The lake has shrunk by 95% in the last 38 years
These areas are listed as having water scarcity or water stress
Water scarcity is defined as less than 1,000 cubic meters of water available per person per year
Water stress means less than 1,500 cubic meters of water available per person per year

10. Is there anything that can be done?
South Africa is the only country that has included in its constitution the right that every person has access to 25 liters of water per day as part of their human rights
They have also installed street taps in strategic locations allowing millions of people a way to get fresh water
What about other countries?

11. Water Bill for the Poor Act
In 2005, the President of the U.S. signed the water bill for the poor
The bill authorizes the president to provide aid to promote affordable and equitable access to water around the world
So should the U.S. continue to spend money on other countries to help them have access to clean drinking water?
Should access to clean drinking water be a human right? Why/why not?
What does clean water really cost?

12. Your Assignment Take out a sheet of paper and fold it in half
On one side label it Pro
On the other side label it Con
List at least three reasons why you think the U.S. should continue to give financial aid to countries who need clean drinking water on the pro side
List at least three reasons why you think the U.S. should not continue to give financially on the Con side