Global Water Crisis | Although water covers 70% of our planet, only 3% of the world’s water is freshwater. Two-thirds of the water are in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.
Today, there are 785 million people in the world – 1 in 9 – lack access to basic drinking water. Further, uncountable millions line up daily for one bucket of water form which they should meet all the family’s needs. Moreover, 144 million people depend on surface water to meet their basic needs. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the water crisis is the fourth global risk in terms of impact on society. In 2025, 1.8 billion people will allegedly face severe water scarcity. Also, 2/3rd of the world’s population will live in water-stressed zones.
Water Crisis in Africa
The crisis is especially dire in sub-Saharan African countries such as Liberia, Ghana, Somalia, Nigeria, and Sudan. Women and young girls in Africa often have to travel long distances (about 3.5 miles daily on average) to collect amounts of water and carry them back to their homes, which affects their health and cause them psychological stress and makes them vulnerable to violence and abuse. It also affects their ability to join education, for they spend their time fetching water. This daily journey is very long and harsh in the area’s weather conditions.
What Hayat Yolu Do`
Saving lives and improving living conditions to poor and marginalized communities in Africa is among our strategic priorities. Therefore, we have drilled 30 water wells so far in different areas in Africa which provide drinking water to thousands of people, significantly changing their lives and help them to go back to education and other opportunities rather than spending all their time collecting water.
We intend to continue this effort and we aspire to reach the thirstiest zones in the sub-Saharan African countries. We are confident that people who greatly value the lives of others and willing to support this area in order to see children living in safety and satisfaction will support us.
