Why Does Africa, One of the World’s Most Resource-Rich Continents Lack Accessibility to Clean Drinking Water?

Written By | DARBY BONNER

In Africa, unreliable water sources for drinking and sanitation purposes put millions of people at risk each day.

What's more concerning is that rapid population growth and climate change exacerbate this problem, leading us to look for innovative solutions. Therefore, affordable water treatment technology is crucial in tackling the water crisis in Africa. Due to the high cost of such technology, treating water to make it safe to drink is not an option for many people.

was spreading like wildfire in the region, and the reality of poverty and war was creating hopelessness. Therefore, Water for Good was born to provide clean water to communities in the CAR.

The need for Water for Good’s services in the CAR comes from CAR being ranked 188 of 191 on the Human Development Index (Source: UNDP 2021). It is the fifth-highest Fragile State Index score (Source: FFP

Water for Good

Water for Good is a non-profit organisation founded in 2004 by Jim Hocking. After growing up in the Central African Republic (CAR), Jim fostered a deep love for the country and its people. He witnessed first-hand that people's basic physical needs were unmet, AIDS

2022), it is also one of the most dangerous places to be a child (Source: UNICEF), and 70% of the CAR population does not have access to drinking water (Source: OCHA 2022).

Water for Good’s Water Point Systems

Water for Good installs two different styles of water points: handpumps and solar-powered pump systems. Handpumps are typically used in smaller villages, serving up to 500 people, while solar-powered pump systems can support larger communities (2,00 people) with corresponding tap stands.

From start to finish, the water installation process typically takes around 18 months. Several steps happen within that timeline, including a community census, drone mapping, drilling, education, and the hiring of water managers.

Since operations started, 1,100+ water points have been constructed and 2,100+ water points are receiving routine maintenance, including some pumps which were already installed in the CAR. Water for Good is not only a water drilling business, they have an established Central African lead maintenance program that performs routine maintenance services, ensuring that clean water continues to flow for good.

- Water for Good

Are you interested in how Water for Good chooses what system to install? Check out the flow chart to the right!

Learn more about Water for Good’s strategy plans in the CAR here!

Thank you to article contributor

LeAnna Lavender