THANYANI

MOSIMANE
12B
MRS ZINN
Activity 1
o Poor access to clean water means the insufficient availability and consistency
of safe, uncontaminated water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes.

o Inadequate Infrastructure
Explanation: Insufficient or aging water supply systems, including pipes,
treatment plants, and distribution networks, may not effectively provide clean
Pollution
Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal can
contaminate water sources.

o The electricity supply is unreliable. Putting scheduled load shedding aside,

my community experiences unexpected power outages caused by issues like
cable theft or problems with powerline distribution. When my parents tried to
contact Eskom, they said to them that they’ll be sending an electrician in 30
minutes, but he only arrived after 2 weeks.
Waste removal services are also unreliable and don’t produce good work
performance. They sometimes arrive late or don’t even pitch, without even
notifying the community, resulting in a buildup of waste in both public areas
due to [community members emptying their bins] and households. I have
personally encountered instances where waste collectors gathered all the bins
in my street and put them Infront of my house gate so they can dispose
garbage in their truck, after them doing their job, they left my front gate filled
with waste and didn’t even bother to clean up.

Activity 2:
o It’s regarded as a human right violation because humans have the right to life
and right to health, Access to clean water is essential for sustaining life.
Without it, humans face risks of dehydration, waterborne diseases, and other
health complications that can lead to death. Clean water is fundamental for
maintaining good health. Lack of access to clean water can result in the
spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which affect
children and the elderly.
o The National Water Act of 1998. Its main goal was to promote the sustainable
use of water and ensure universal access to safe drinking water. The Act
mandates government regulation of water allocation and preservation of water
quality. Its intent was to guarantee equitable distribution of water, provide
 access to clean water for all, and manage water consumption in a sustainable
manner to safeguard it for future generations.
o Health Disparities: Unequal access to clean water exacerbates health
disparities in communities, as individuals without reliable clean water are at a
higher risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery, especially
when coupled with insufficient sanitation facilities. From a human rights
perspective, addressing these health disparities requires ensuring that
everyone has universal access to clean water and sanitation facilities, aligning
with international human rights norms such as the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. It is essential for governments to prioritize the provision of
clean water and sanitation to marginalized communities to uphold the
fundamental right to health for all.
Educational Inequities: Limited access to clean water impacts education,
particularly for children, as schools without proper water and sanitation
facilities struggle to uphold hygiene standards. This results in increased
absenteeism and decreased academic achievement. Additionally, children,
especially girls, may miss school while obtaining water. From a human rights
perspective, addressing educational disparities requires ensuring that all
schools have access to clean water and sanitation facilities to fulfill the right to
education as stipulated in international human rights law.
Economic Disadvantages: Unequal access to clean water worsens
economic disparities. People lacking reliable clean water incur higher
healthcare costs from waterborne illnesses and experience productivity losses
from missing work due to illness. Additionally, limited clean water availability
impairs economic activities like farming and small businesses. From a human
rights viewpoint, tackling economic inequalities entails guaranteeing equal
access to clean water, crucial for advancing economic and social rights. This
involves implementing policies that prioritize equitable access to clean water
and sanitation, particularly for marginalized groups, enabling their full
participation in and benefit from economic opportunities.

o 1. Government policies play a crucial role in tackling water accessibility

challenges. Policies targeting the reduction of pollution, industrial waste, and
sewage dumping are pivotal in preserving water source health. Cleaner water
sources also benefit underground reserves, allowing communities to access
their own water, reducing reliance on external sources. Additionally,
implementing water restrictions ensures fairer distribution of limited resources,
preventing excessive use by wealthier households and guaranteeing access
for all, as demonstrated during droughts like Cape Town's.

2. Government structures are vital for ensuring water accessibility. Entities like
the Department of Water and Sanitation are responsible for establishing and
maintaining infrastructure, addressing issues, and identifying rural areas
lacking water resources. They implement projects to address these gaps.
Government structures oversee municipal water resource management,
conducting regular assessments to ensure compliance with water availability
 and infrastructure duties. If mismanagement occurs, capable municipalities
are assigned to ensure proper water distribution to all residents.

Activity 3: [part b]
o Income levels significantly influence access to clean water. Affluent
individuals can afford private water sources like boreholes or filtration
systems, while lower-income individuals may rely on communal sources or
face difficulties paying water bills. Similarly, areas with higher socioeconomic
status often have superior water infrastructure, such as reliable piped systems
and sewage treatment plants, whereas economically disadvantaged
communities may lack basic infrastructure, resulting in reliance on unsafe
sources or limited access to clean water services.
Education and Awareness: Socioeconomic status affects education and
awareness regarding clean water and sanitation practices. Higher-income
individuals often have access to more educational resources and information
on water hygiene, leading to better water management practices and
improved health outcomes.
Political Power and Influence: Socioeconomic factors influence political
power and influence, impacting government priorities and resource allocation
for water infrastructure. Wealthier communities usually have more political
influence, allowing them to advocate for improved water services. In contrast,
marginalized or low-income communities may struggle to assert their needs,
potentially resulting in neglect or inadequate investment in water
infrastructure.

o Urban Areas: In urban areas, centralized piped water systems are commonly
used to deliver water from surface water bodies or groundwater sources to
households and businesses through a network of pipes. These systems are
usually overseen by municipal water authorities. Additionally, urban areas are
equipped with water treatment plants that purify raw water to eliminate
impurities and meet drinking water standards. These plants employ a range of
methods including filtration, disinfection, and chemical treatment.
Rural Areas: In rural areas, access to clean water is often provided by
community water sources like hand pumps, wells, or boreholes, which may
serve multiple households or villages. In cases where centralized water
treatment is impractical, point-of-use treatment techniques like household
filtration or chlorination systems are employed to maintain water safety.

o No because Numerous communities experience problems with obsolete water

infrastructure, resulting in leaks, pollution, and ineffective water utilization. The
necessary upgrades and upkeep of this infrastructure typically demand
substantial investment and careful long-term planning, which might not
receive adequate prioritization.
- Public awareness and behavior change play a crucial role in effective water
management. However, governments and local authorities may not be
 allocating sufficient resources to public education campaigns aimed at
promoting water conservation and sustainable practices.
- Resolving water crises necessitates significant financial support for initiatives
such as desalination plants, improvements to wastewater treatment, and the
adoption of sustainable water management practices. However, limitations in
budget and competing priorities may restrict the allocation of essential
resources. Consuming contaminated water can lead to severe health
consequences due to the presence of pathogens, heavy metals, and
chemicals. Waterborne diseases resulting from contaminated water can
cause acute illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, as well as
chronic conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, kidney damage, and
neurological impairments. Prolonged exposure to contaminated water can
weaken the immune system, increase susceptibility to infections, and lead to
long-term health issues. This not only affects individuals’ well-being but also
results in reduced productivity, absenteeism from work or school, and
increased healthcare expenditures, placing a strain on healthcare systems
and household budgets.
Moreover, contaminated water used for irrigation or crop production can pose
risks to food safety and agricultural productivity. Heavy metals and agricultural
chemicals present in water can accumulate in soil and crops, contaminating
food products and compromising their quality and safety for consumption.
Consuming contaminated crops can expose individuals to harmful
substances, leading to acute poisoning or chronic health problems. Crop
failures due to contamination can also result in economic losses for farmers,
reducing food availability and affordability for communities. Addressing water
contamination and ensuring access to clean and safe water sources is crucial
for protecting public health, promoting food security, and sustainable
development.

Activity 4:
o Voting plays a significant role in ensuring effective service delivery in
communities due to Accountability and Responsiveness, where elected
leaders are answerable to the voters. If they do not provide essential services
such as clean water, they risk losing voter support in future elections. This
pressure can motivate them to be more attentive to community needs and
strive harder to meet expectations and Policy Direction, where voters can
steer policy priorities by electing candidates who focus on specific issues, like
water infrastructure. Once in office, these officials are more inclined to enact
policies and allocate resources aimed at improving these services.
o Use of Hashtags: Hashtags organize content and boost its visibility. On
Twitter, tags such as #CustomerServiceFail or #PoorService can draw the
attention of users interested in those issues. Similarly, TikTok uses trending
hashtags to help videos reach a broader audience.
Evidence and Documentation: TikTok videos offer visual proof of poor
service, which is often more impactful than written descriptions. Twitter
 enables users to share images, screenshots, and videos, facilitating the
documentation and substantiation of complaints.

o Spreading false claims through misinformation, where individuals or

competing businesses may post false or exaggerated complaints to tarnish a
company’s reputation. These false claims can spread rapidly, especially if
they include fabricated evidence like doctored images or misleading videos.
The virality of social media can cause significant harm before the truth comes
out, damaging the business’s reputation and causing financial losses.
2.Amplifying personal vendettas through targeted harassment and bullying,
where social media can be exploited to harass or bully businesses over
personal grievances instead of genuine service issues. A dissatisfied
customer may rally others to participate in a barrage of negative posts,
excessively magnifying their complaint. This can foster a hostile environment
and place undue pressure on the business to address exaggerated or
baseless claims.

Activity 5:
o Robust Whistleblower protection mechanism where implementing
Comprehensive whistleblower protection laws and mechanisms encourages
the reporting of misconduct, fraud, and corruption by protecting individuals
from retaliation. This system should feature secure and anonymous reporting
channels, such as hotlines and online platforms. Independent agencies can
be created to handle and investigate whistleblower complaints, with the power
to act on the information provided and safeguard whistleblowers’ identities.
Moreover, training programs can educate government employees about their
rights and the correct procedures for reporting misconduct. This strategy
promotes transparency and accountability by uncovering unethical practices,
deterring future misconduct, and holding officials accountable for their actions.
2. Performance- based management and evaluation systems whereby
Implementing a performance management system that sets clear, measurable
goals and regularly assesses the performance of government officials and
departments can improve service delivery. This system should encompass
both quantitative metrics, such as service delivery times, budget adherence,
and project completion rates, and qualitative assessments, such as citizen
satisfaction and feedback. Governments can adopt frameworks like the
Results-Based Management. Conducting regular performance reviews and
publicly reporting results ensures that officials are held accountable.
Furthermore, linking performance outcomes to incentives, promotions, and
sanctions can encourage officials to enhance service delivery. This approach
boosts the efficiency and effectiveness of government services by
emphasizing results and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of
accountability where officials are motivated to meet or exceed performance
expectations.
 o Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate
communities about the causes and impacts of the water crisis. Use social
media, local media, workshops, and informational brochures to disseminate
information.
Community Engagement Projects: Involve local communities in identifying
problems and solutions related to water supply issues. Establish community
advisory boards and conduct town hall meetings to gather input and foster a
sense of ownership.
Capacity Building Programs: Conduct training programs for local
government officials, utility workers, and community leaders on efficient water
management practices, maintenance of water infrastructure, and emergency
response strategies.

Activity 6:
o Claudette (2021). What Causes a Lack Of Clean Water? [online] OASENSE.
Available at: https://www.oasense.com/post/what-causes-a-lack-of-clean-
water.[Accessed 13 May 2024].

o Helen Suzman Foundation. (2019). Understanding water issues and

challenges II:
Municipalities and the delivery of water services. [online] Available at:
https://hsf.org.za/publications/hsf-briefs/understanding-water-issues-
andchallenges-ii-municipalities-and-the-delivery-of-
waterservices#:~:text=Municipalities%20are%20ta
o www.guinnesshomes.co.uk. (2023). Countryside vs City Living – Pros and
Cons | Guinness Homes. [online] Available at:
https://www.guinnesshomes.co.uk/blog/area-guides/countryside-vs-city-
livingguide/.
o Gomez, M., Perdiguero, J. and Sanz, A. (2019). Socioeconomic Factors Affecting
Water Access in Rural Areas of Low and Middle Income Countries. [online] MDPI.
Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/11/2/202 [Accessed 13 May
2024].