Water shortages in Africa prevent those living in poverty from ascending to a higher social class. Each day, the poorest inhabitants of drought stricken areas can expect to spend over an hour collecting water each day. This is time that could be better spent by getting an education or working. Water scarcity prevents people from working, consequently preventing them from earning money. Without a reliable source of income, many Africans are locked in a state of extreme poverty.
Currently, impoverished people have disproportionately low access to clean water, therefore making them more vulnerable to disease. Universal access to safe potable water would increase health amongst the poor by reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases. This is another way that access to clean water helps reduce the class divide. |