ON this World Water Day, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) urges all stakeholders to reflect on responsible and sustainable use of water in order to preserve ground water.
ZLHR also urges the Zimbabwean authorities to implement concrete policies that are aimed at increasing access to clean, safe and potable water throughout Zimbabwe.
World Water Day is commemorated annually on 22 March to highlight the importance of water to our communities, the environment and the global economy. Observance of this ‘International Day’ also encourages members of the public to utilise water in a sustainable way.
The theme for World Water Day in 2022 is “Groundwater – Making the invisible visible.” The theme is a call upon the global community to conserve precious groundwater. The theme also highlights the need for everyone to commit to the sustainable consumption of groundwater. Groundwater is a critical resource that is necessary for survival. Experts in water governance estimate that over half of all drinking water is derived from groundwater. It is also estimated that over 2 billion people around the world derive all of their daily drinking water from groundwater source.
Groundwater is also key to the effective operation of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and the service industry. Groundwater is extensively used in the irrigation and industrial processes. It is also key to the proper functioning of sanitation systems. It also supports biodiversity and ecological balance. Importantly, groundwater plays an indispensable role in the mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change, which include drought and natural disasters.
In some instances, Zimbabweans have to travel long distances in order to access water that is clean and safe. The demand for potable water in the country continues to rise each year as the population continues to grow. It is therefore imperative for authorities to formulate effective strategies that are aimed at increasing access to clean, safe and potable water throughout the country.
The government has a duty to ensure that everyone has access to safe water. In terms of Section 77 (a) of the Constitution, everyone has the right to safe, clean and potable water. Importantly, Section 77 of the Constitution obliges the State to adopt reasonable legislative and other related measures that are designed to progressively realise the right to clean, safe and potable water.
On this World Water Day, ZLHR calls upon:
- Members of the public to reflect upon the importance of water to society and the environment;
- The public to use water responsibly and sustainably;
- The authorities to fulfil their constitutional obligation to take legislative steps that are designed to progressively realise the right to clean, safe and potable water;
- The authorities to take other concrete steps that are aimed at increasing access to clean, safe and potable water throughout Zimbabwe.
- The Zimbabwean authorities to coordinate their efforts to conserve and manage water with other nations, in order to effectively preserve the earth’s valuable water resources.
ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Kodzero/Amalungelo House
No. 103 Sam Nujoma Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: (+263 8677005347, +263 242 764085/705370/708118
Email: info@zlhr.org.zw
www.zlhr.org.zw
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