Dear ReWilder,
Water has long been a site of struggle for many communities in Africa. Access to water is taken for granted by many people across the world, especially those that have water running through their taps every day. But many people, across Africa especially, do not have the privilege of access to clean and reliable water sources.
ReWild recently had the opportunity to tell two stories within the same series for BBC StoryWorks, called Beneath the Surface. These are based in South Africa and Uganda, and are about access to clean water and how the local and contextual solutions have changed the lives of local communities in the area.Β
βI grew up when there was not even a tap in my house. We had to look for this very valuable resource, and it took a lot of our time. It was very difficult, especially when you had homework to do. I feel robbed as a young person, that I didnβt have time to play, and that is part of our growth.Β
The lack of water in a household affects particularly the women, because the burden of making sure that there is reliable water, and that there is water in the house at all, really depends on the women.
Given my past, this fulfils me, that you see somebody having a tap running in their houses, having affordable water, having clean water.β
- Caroline Ogutu, Water Sector Engineer, European Investment BankΒ
Technology has a big role to play in a just transition for people and planet, and with solutions such as the Katosi Water Treatment Plant, we see a form of filtration that is energy efficient, emits less carbon, and provides millions of local people with equitable access to clean water.
The next film below speaks to similar issues, and highlights African solutions for African problems. Containerised water treatment systems are most appropriate in many situations for rural areas that are not connected to a main water supply. These solutions are designed to be used remotely, have a lower footprint, as well as lower construction costs.Β
A Just Transition in Africa is a multifaceted issue. Access to clean water close to communitiesβ homes is not just an issue of water, but also an issue of gender equality, gender based violence, and women empowerment. The task of fetching water is often very time consuming, sometimes dangerous, and almost always falls on the women.
Providing access to clean and accessible water sources not only improves the health and livelihood of local communities, but also paves a way for women to have more time; for education, work, growing food, raising children, spending time with their families, and contributing positively to their local communities.
For more on this topic, watch the Gender episode of the series Not on Our Soil Β that we created with the African Climate Reality project and Action 24.Β
News from ReWild Africa π
Sam recently had the opportunity to interview George Monbiot in the UK - and weβre so excited to share the content with you soon!Β
The team is getting ready to head to Kenya and Uganda at the end of the month to tell incredibly important stories regarding holistic healthcare.Β
Wild Regards,Β
Team ReWild Africa