Almost 90 per cent of diseases are caused due to drinking water that is unsafe for consumption
JHELUM: The provision of health and clean water is an area that has always been neglected in Pakistan. More than half the population cannot enjoy full healthcare coverage and does not have access to clean drinking water. Almost 90 per cent of diseases are caused due to drinking water that is unsafe for consumption. Every year, thousands of children lose their lives due to water-borne diseases. Pakistan is a country of fountains, lakes and rivers, yet we don’t have clean water to drink. This is because of poor sanitary systems and a lack of awareness in utilising the water resource for healthy purposes.
In addition, unceasing dumping of industrial waste containing deadly chemicals in rivers gives birth to many diseases. Therefore, the government is not the only one to blame — instead the people of this country are also playing a critical role in polluting the environment — for themselves and for future generations. Therefore, the government should take steps to minimise water-related problems and needs to utilise the latest technology for sanitation systems. The media should also play its part, spreading awareness regarding the consequences of consuming dirty water and how it leads to deadly diseases.
Sehrish Saba Bhatti
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2015.
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