A school-based water survey found 40% of samples from South African schools unsafe, raising serious
about sanitation.
WATER CRISIS AFFECTS HEALTH, DIGNITY, AND ATTENDANCE
According to Timeslive, many schools, particularly those in quintile 1–3 categories, lack reliable access to clean water.
Some pupils bring bottled water from home, while others rely on rainwater or streams.
In extreme cases, learners relieve themselves in open fields due to non-functional toilets, without water or soap for hygiene.
This has wider consequences beyond health; it undermines dignity, concentration, and school attendance, especially for girls during menstruation.
THE PROJECT OFFERS BOTH SCIENCE AND CIVIC ACTION
Executive director of WaterCAN, Dr Ferrial Adam, said, “This is not just citizen science, it’s civic action.”
“Unsafe water is not just a health issue, it’s an education issue, a gender issue and a human rights issue.”
WaterCAN notified affected schools when they found contaminated water and guided them on immediate interventions and long-term engagement with municipalities.
Adam stressed that with over 24 000 schools in South Africa, this project only scratches the surface.
“The findings call for a nationally coordinated school water testing and response programme. Every learner deserves clean, safe access.”
コメント