Water Is Life: Every Village in the World Deserves Safe and Clean Water

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Easily accessible water is fundamental to health, education, economic development and human dignity.

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In many villages across Africa and other low-income regions of the world, families must walk long distances to collect water from shallow wells, unprotected springs, rivers and streams. Meanwhile, people in many developed countries can simply turn on a tap and access water with ease.

Water contaminated by human or animal waste can cause cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever and other dangerous diseases. Children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration caused by diarrhoea. Women and girls also spend considerable time collecting water instead of participating fully in education and economic activities.

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According to the 2025 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 2.1 billion people worldwide lacked safely managed drinking-water services in 2024. (1)

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International commitments on the right to water

Access to water is not merely a matter of charity; it is a human rights and development issue.

In 1977, the United Nations Water Conference in Mar del Plata, Argentina, adopted the Mar del Plata Action Plan, which emphasized the importance of planning for and expanding water services.

In 1992, the Dublin Statement on Water and Sustainable Development emphasized sound water-resource management and community participation in water-related decision-making.

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On July 28, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/64/292, recognizing the human right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as essential to the full enjoyment of life and all human rights. The resolution also called on countries and international organizations to provide financial resources, technology and capacity-building support, particularly to developing countries. 

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In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This goal calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, as well as adequate sanitation services, by 2030. (2)

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WHO, UNICEF, UN-Water and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are among the organizations that contribute to water-related public health, infrastructure development, sanitation and resource management. (3)

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The cost and challenges of drilling wells

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The cost of drilling a well depends on its depth, soil and rock conditions, equipment transportation, the type of pump and the supporting infrastructure required. As a general estimate, a machine-drilled borehole fitted with a hand pump may cost approximately US$5,000–15,000. A well equipped with an electric pump, generator and associated infrastructure may cost US$50,000–125,000 or more. These figures are indicative budgeting estimates; actual costs vary according to location and project size.

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The challenges do not end once a well has been drilled. Wells may produce insufficient water, pumps may break down, and spare parts or qualified technicians may be unavailable. Every project should therefore include water-quality testing, a maintenance plan and community participation in management.

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Governments, donors, development organizations and African diaspora communities can work together to fund new wells, rehabilitate existing water sources and ensure services continue after construction.

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Water is a basic necessity, not a luxury

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International commitments have already been established. What is needed now is implementation that delivers tangible results in villages that still lack safe water.

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Every village deserves a safe, accessible and reliable source of water. Water is life; bringing it within people's reach means investing in health, education, development and human dignity.

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