HORN OF AFRICA: Water, Sanitation & Environment

Welcome to Water Sanitation Magazine @ Blogger---------------BULLETIN------------------Did you know that in many parts of the world, water is a deadly drink?

HORN OF AFRICA:
WATER, SANITATION & ENVIRONMENT

WEBMASTER

Name: Noah Amin:
Profession: Water Quality Scientist
Contact: noahark2000@gmail.com
Editor: H.Amin

STARTLING HORN OF AFRICA IMAGES:

Is the Horn of Africa land of plenty or one of scarcity?

IT IS ONE OF PLENTY!

But life is a daily struggle; hunger & infinite preventable diseases cause premature deaths. And as resources dwindle due to mismanagement, poverty prevails and people go to the unknown dying in the high seas or else go to refugees camps in their own lands!

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Did you know that dirty water can be a deadly drink? The reason is because Pathogens (disease causing microorganisms) inherently present in dirty waters cause diseases that may threaten your health.Just boil your water and you may well be safe!

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Friday, May 25, 2007

Somaliland Water Scarcity And The Challenges Of The MDGs
Meeting Basic Needs: For Safe And Sufficient Water And Sanitation

ABSTRACT:

Water, the source and origin of all life, is scarce in Somaliland. The country lies within the tropical monsoon region, but has 1000m3per person per year. Its annual average rainfall is only 253mm, (western areas and far eastern Sanag region, receive 430mm rainfall) with no major perennial rivers while the potential evapotransportation is above 2000 mm per year.

So, water scarcity is a major deterrent to sustainable socio-economic development in the country and to this date, success in the development of water systems remains elusive. In addition, a 1997/2000 inconclusive survey by the government (Somaliland) shows that the areas¡¦ water quality is too poor indicating that most of the country's drinking water sources are unfit for direct human consumption. In fact, access to safe water is limited to only 20% for urban areas. And of the 60% of the nomadic population who raise agriculture and livestock, less than 10% has access to safe water when almost none has access to sanitation.

Consequently, many water-related diseases are rife, endemic and epidemic in Somaliland with high morbidity/mortality rates causing many pre-mature deaths of 138/1000, Oxfam 1992 (limited information says diarrhea alone claims about 100,000 mostly children in Somalia, nationwide).

Considering this water scarcity and the need to provide coverage for Somaliland people by 2025 to meet the Millennium Developmental Goals and the World Summit For Sustainable Development targets set for Sub-Saharan Africa, the World Community, NEPAD, AMCOW, Africa Water Task Force etc. have major moral leadership challenges/obligations waiting ahead especially if this fledgling democracy is to meet those goals.

Introduction
Water is life. All living things, humans, animals, plants as well as the ecosystems depend on water for survival and existence. Fortunately, it is plenty in nature as the hydrosphere covers over 70% of the earth. But 97.47% is salty and more than two-thirds of the remainder is trapped in poles as ice and snow and in deep underground. Less than 1% is accessible. In addition, worldwide, freshwater is hugely distributed uneven. It is this poor distribution, the geometrical growth of world population and man¡¦s activities that further reduce freshwater resources quantity and quality causing water scarcity crisis worldwide.

Water, What Is It?
Water is a unique blend of colorless, odorless liquid. It is not a living particle but there is no life without it too. Water is also unique in both its physical and chemical properties as it is one of the few substances that expand on cooling to zero degrees centigrade, a condition that facilitates ice to float so that life in oceans and seas is preserved¡Klarge bodies of water covered with masses of ice and snow do still provide enough warmth for undersea flora and fauna and still maintain enough dissolved oxygen that is so essential to the survival life. Were it not this uniqueness, oceans, seas and all bodies of water would freeze from bottom up killing lives in it. Blocks of ice and snow would stay unmelted even during hot summers creating drastic climatic change as there would be less water evaporation resulting less precipitation. Water is also unique as it has a moderating effect for it can absorb a lot of heat without itself becoming warmer. This alone can justify why bodies of water remain cool when adjacent sand beaches may fry your bare feet.

In addition, during evaporation, water absorbs heat and escapes into the atmosphere. But when it comes down as rain, the same heat is dissipated back to the atmosphere. Water acts as an energy custodian and as a liquid that is in the oceans, seas and in the air, it acts as a thermostat that regulates heat. Water is also a universal solvent and all living things depend on it for food assimilation that is so important for sustenance and growth.

Water Is Life
Water is the source and origin of all life! All living things depend on water for survival and existence. On the average, our body is 75-85% water. Unlike hunger, which our body can survive for several weeks as the body possesses sufficient reserves, a lack of water will lead to certain death within days as our body cannot retain any water reserves. (Peter Gleick of Pacific Institute of Oakland, California regards 20-40 liters per person per day, as the minimum to meet all person's needs).

In addition, we need water for keeping clean and we need it for farming. Water helps insure that all living things assimilate food nutrients without which life on this earth would be impossible. Biochemical/biological reactions that take place during metabolism and growth of living cells (plant and animal) take place only in aqueous media. With the help of water through osmosis, chlorophyll and sun light, plants absorb nutrients/minerals to build simple sugars. And water helps our body discharge its wastes. It lubricates our systems, keeps them free from waste and maintains a normal body. Water is also a critical component of most global systems, such as climate, vegetation and erosion and human disturbances of one part of the water cycle inevitably have impacts in others.

Water Availability In Somaliland
Worldwide, freshwater is hugely distributed uneven. In addition, pollution and high population growth rate further reduce freshwater resources quantity and quality. It is the sum of these problems that cause water scarcity crisis worldwide.

Somaliland is located in the Horn of Africa¡K.its boundaries are defined by the Gulf of Aden in the north; Somalia in the east, Ethiopia in the south and west and Djibouti in the northwest (it lies between latitudes 80 27' north and longitudes 420 35' east). And though it is in the tropical monsoon climate zone, water availability is a major issue as rainfall is extremely low and variable¡Kthe country¡¦s average annual rainfall is only 253mm with no major perennial rivers while the potential evapotransportation is above 2000 mm per year. So, the country is water scarce ¡Kwater scarcity happens when a country has less than 1000M3 per person per year (the 2,800 calories a person needs a day for adequate nourishment requires a minimum of 1000M3 of water).

Somaliland experiences four seasons; only Gu (spring) is rainy (March-May). Hagaa (summer)¡KJune-August, is hot and dry and Dyr (fall) late August-November; is cool though occasionally rainy and the Jilaal or winter December- late March is dry. In fact, the country suffers from different types of scarcities (i) natural water scarcity due to its unfavorable arid climate (ii) demographic scarcity because of its huge livestock populations (iii) technical scarcity because of its low level of development. And it is not only lacking available water resources, it is also desperately lacking trained manpower and financial resources to set up institutions that can develop badly needed infrastructure.

In addition, drought with scaring effects and its major impacts on people¡¦s and animal life is another feature of the country¡¦s physical environment. For instance, severe droughts followed by occasional torrential rainfall kill hundreds of people and thousands of livestock and any sign of it is often received with dread and worry. Prayers and sacrifice for rain are therefore common and the onset of rain is often viewed as the single most important event of the year. So, today, groundwater constitutes the principal source of potable water in most areas and is in fact, the basic component in most of the country¡¦s water needs particularly during droughts and with the exception of seasonal rainfall it is the major source.

Fortunately, a 1999 UN studies on groundwater, show that there is sufficient quantity of water to cover the domestic needs of the whole population¡K but in spring, excess rainfall water has been getting discharged into the seas after coursing its way through the drains. In effect, it is possible to prevent this wastage of water by storing it during the rainy season for use as drinking water during the dry seasons; or for allowing it to seep underground in dry areas as a measure of maintaining adequate levels of ground water. This water can subsequently be recharged or pumped up for irrigational or drinking purposes¡K Somaliland must harvest this by capturing it and allowing it to percolate down into aquifers or store in dams and reservoirs. But, authorities must realize that doing so requires caution as it may cause environmental degradation due to the potential influx of huge livestock and people due to the availability of water.

In Somaliland, access to enough water is limited and the country¡¦s main export is dependent on rainfall for adequate pastures and watering. Urban and rural communities access to safe water in most cases is restricted especially in dry seasons¡K access is typically available for only about 20% of the population in the urban areas and almost nothing exists for the rural community. So, rural communities depend on four sources of water: the dry wells, the springs, open water holes (ballays; berkads) and boreholes. Most villages use berkads, ballays and boreholes or shallow wells.

Ministry of Water and mineral Resources (1999):
Region Drilled wells Abandoned wells Hand dug wells Springs Berkad/ Ballays Water Systems
Awdal 37 21 over 300/ important 38/ 22 fitted with pumps 22 31 surveyed/\ most bacterial contamination mini water systems/2 urban/5 rural
Galbeed 62 34 465 8 5061 11 water systems 2 urban/9 mini water supply
Tog Dheer 43 14 1300 8 4920 1 water system
Sahil 12 6 over 600 20 --- 8 water system
Sanaag 35 6 250 38 88 8 water system
Sool 18 1 120 15 300 13 water system
Source: C. Fiallace and E. R. Failace (1986):

Waterr Quality Data Book of Somalia, V.2.; Ministry of Water and mineral Resources (1999): Inventory of Permanent Water Sources in Somaliland
Groups from nomadic population for example need supply points that lie within a few days¡¦ walk even when the weather is bad or fodder is short and the average length of stay at a given place is extended accordingly and the risk of overuse becomes greater. But too many livestock watering points can have disastrous environmental consequences though in Somaliland, the need to preserve human life may sometimes mean that these primary concerns have to be ignored and even non-renewable ground water must be exhausted with long-term repercussions. And uncontrolled groundwater withdrawal causes adverse consequences on the quality of surface and groundwater and thus indirectly on the human health and that of animals. It often leads to over-drafting and a good water supply in rural areas can lead to overgrazing of vegetation and compaction of the soil by the livestock.

The Health Dimension
Water Quality, Sanitation And Health

As a general rule, safe and sanitary freshwater is essential for a healthy living. But water (like health) is subject to degradation. So, when we drink polluted water (dirty water), we are building, over a period of time, the basis for sickness or diminished health. And use of contaminated water gives rise to waterborne diseases¡K when microbiological and chemical contaminants enter water supplies, they do so as a result of human activity or are found in nature and the potential for health problems from drinking dirty water illustrated by the local outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Moreover, many diseases have been linked to contamination due to bacteria or viruses probably from human or animal waste. ¡K In 1992, UNCED estimated that ¡§¡K80 per cent of all diseases, and over one-third of deaths in developing countries are water-associated, and on average as much as one-tenth of each person's productive time is sacrificed to water-related diseases¡¨¡K and within the developing world, the poorer urban and rural households carry the burden (Agenda 21, UNCED, Chapt. 18, p175).

In Somaliland, water scarcity and pollution due to animal wastes turn springs, wells, bardkads, ballays etc. to filthy trickle¡Kpolluted water contains impurities (minerals, gases, viruses, parasites, bacteria, suspensions etc.) that give rise to water borne diseases, creating epidemics and posing greater risks. And a limited survey carried out by the government (Somaliland) shows conductivity, hardness, dissolved solids etc. are too high, conductivity up to 11,000 MicroS/cm in most sources and the few bacteriological screens conducted (total coliforms) in many areas show CFU200/100ml (world standard zero) The poor sanitation indicates that most of the country's drinking water sources are unfit for direct human consumption.

In addition, the harsh environment and the resulting erosion due to torrential rains further reduce quality of fresh water while deforestation and degradation of once grassy lands accelerate and alter the water cycle, threatening the continuity of the ecosystems and groundwater recharge¡K(the dominant hazard is flooding, which when it occurs washes away topsoil slowly choking streams, dams and reservoirs and causing further water quality impairment).

Today, despite the 1980s International Decade of providing safe drinking water and sanitation services for the developing world, only 20% of Somaliland people who live in urban areas have access to clean water supply. And almost all those who live in small towns or rural areas lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation services though the UN considers both a human right.

Global Mortality From Water-Related Diseases Versus Somaliland (figure 2)
WHO 2000 2.2 million (diarrhea diseases only)
WHO 1999 2.3 million
Hunter et al 2000 more than 5 million
UNDP 2002 more than 5 million
Johannesburg 2002 more than 5 million
Water Dome 2002 more than 3 million
UNICEF 1992 100,000 per year (Somalia
Hinrichsen et al 1997 12 million
Source: world 1996 and others in (peter gleick: dirty water 2000-2020)

As a result, many water-short households are forced to rely on contaminated water supplies. And waterborne diseases like diarrhea, dysentery and cholera etc. are on the rise. Diarrhea alone affects hundreds of thousands mostly children and killing hundreds yearly. Intestinal helminths, trachoma etc. are high. And it is believed that diarrhea alone claims over 100,000 deaths in Somalia (nationwide) and estimates show that one in four dies before fifth birthday. It is therefore, unfortunate that water scarcity is probably the single greatest threat to Somaliland people¡¦s health, their environment and food supply. It threatens food security and peace as people seek to cope with shortages.

In environmental terms, growing urbanization further exacerbates the problem as it concentrates large numbers of human beings, demanding dependable sources of water and adequate sanitation services on unprecedented scales¡K (Hargeisa, the capital city for instance has grown from 300 to 700 thousand residents and continues to grow). The changes in land use pattern brought about by the urbanization also affect water supplies by altering and accelerating natural rain patterns and runoffs. It erodes soils and speeds evaporation with urban runoff severely degrading quality of life and further creating health and hygiene problems. Most of those who suffer are the poor who live in peri-urban areas.

CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Water is a vital resource that is unfortunately scarce in Somaliland; so the nation must fully assess its groundwater as there are perennial rivers.
The nation must develop comprehensive national water resource development programs for sustainable water strategies.

The country¡¦s water scarcity can be offset by harvesting spring torrential rainwater in catchments, dams, reservoirs etc. with the intention of replenishing groundwater cycle. But, in doing that it must avoid disrupting the delicate ecological balance of the land as huge influx of people and livestock due to water availability can cause overgrazing exposing topsoil to erosion rendering soil sterile and unproductive.

The nation should explore ways to acquire simple, inexpensive, proven effective technologies for the acquisition of drinking water and sanitation services.

But, the nation must prioritize policies and measures to insure adequate and clean environmental sanitation practices including disposal of garbage.

The nation must provide clean water/sanitation access to its rural community.
The nation must establish water quality guidelines and encourage hygienic practices since without them, people will continue to suffer from water-borne diseases.

Lack of basic services, education, food supplies, shelter, water and sanitation services often lead to prevalence of preventable infectious diseases; so the nation must raise community awareness of the role human/animal wastes play in the propagation of poor health.
People must break their traditional unhygienic habits and gender participation must be encouraged ¡Kleadership (especially women).

Finally, the nation must actively pursue help from international community and donor organizations in particular who are morally obligated to redress this human tragedy.

Noah [ 2:26 PM ]