▶️ The post Report | Empty Promises: The struggle for equitable access to water in South Africa first appeared on ©️ PARI | Public Affairs Research Institute.
By Tracy Ledger
SUMMARY by Vuka.news
Water as a Human Right ▶️ DOWNLOAD REPORT
Water is vital for life and wellbeing. Access to enough clean water is crucial for health, sanitation, and quality of life. In 2010, the United Nations recognized access to water as a human right.
However, only 52 countries, including South Africa, guarantee this right. South Africa’s Constitution (Section 27(1)(b)) states that everyone has the right to sufficient food and water. Policies emphasize universal access to affordable water. Key affordability issues include:
- Policies must provide clear and specific measures for affordability.
- Paying for water should not stop households from affording other basic needs like food or shelter.
- The state must ensure water is affordable and take action, including providing free water when necessary.
Despite these commitments, South Africa faces serious challenges:
- Water services have worsened over the past decade.
- The minimum water amount provided is below World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
- Poor households face water cuts if they cannot pay.
- Implementing the Free Basic Water policy has been difficult.
A human-rights approach requires the state to assess whether people can afford water based on their actual situations. If they cannot, the state must act to ensure access.
