Quench my thirst. Part 2

Way forward : Having highlighted a few of the problems affecting water availability in Subsaharan Africa, it's time to face the challenges squarely and help nip in the bud the morbidities and mortalities occurring from water related diseases. Thus far, humanitarian and non governmental organizations have helped us tremendously. Some of the governments of the nations affected have also made some contributions,but they  do not seem to be as passionate about this problem as the NGOs. It is however necessary to note that humanitarian efforts are insufficient to curb this menace. Water related research should be encouraged in Subsaharan Africa. Such that we can find more ways to better outsmart the topography and deal with the ever changing climate. Agriculture related research should also be looked into, so that we can find more ways to better improve the quantity and quality of farm products. Irrigation is key in achieving this, however it is quite expensive and may not be sustainable in certain regions. The drip irrigation and supplementary irrigation systems may  be further examined and encouraged in local communities. The use of fertilizers is also useful as this helps water retention. Economic policies that affect water should be thoroughly looked into, such that the long and short term effects are predetermined and may be avoided if negative. The town planners also have a lot to do in that, more water reservoirs and outlets need to be created to match the ever increasing population. Treaties relating to water may need to be signed so that the water deprived areas can better benefit from the regions that have been blessed by nature and water related conflicts may be reduced. It is also imperative that a proper redistribution of available resources be encouraged so that areas that have access to more dams can easily share with others. This may be seen from the fact that of the 980 large dams in subSaharan Africa, about 589 are in South Africa, leaving other nations to scramble for the remnants.  Communities also need to make efforts to procure low cost water facilities for their people. This can be done by encouraging communal efforts in the digging of wells and bore holes. Of a fact 2 or 3 neighboring communities can come together to dig a well  for their people. Water storage in the wet seasons should also be encouraged. Reservoirs should be obtained with a view to storing enough water to see the community through the long dry season. Maintenance of the available resources is also key. Committees should be enacted to watch the infrastructures and maintain it adequately to reduce the effects of wear and tear. We can not over estimate the role of the government in these matters. In this light our people should be encouraged to vote in credible leaders who have the state of the people and the nation at heart, such that they carry out community related projects with utmost urgency and care.