Experts say keeping good hygiene would reduce the risk of transmitting and contracting the COVID-19. Indeed clean water is our first line of defence during this time of turbulence. Access to clean water is a basic human right and no one should fear losing their life because they couldn’t practice the first line of defence, which is hand washing. Kenya faces difficulty in water supply. Majority of Kenyans do not have access to clean water. However, this is not the time to live everything as deprivation. This is the time to promote solidarity through sharing the little resources we have. This crisis needs community more than ever and we need to do what is reasonable to keep everyone safe.
Recognizing that if there is a shortage of water for communities it will be difficult to get water to wash our hands. Given the importance of handwashing in preventing the spread of this virus, there is a need for increased water-saving and sharing. To save water, let’s start by breaking the unfavourable habits of leaving water taps running needlessly while washing our hands or when washing dishes. In addition, let’s fix all the leaks in our homes. This could save a lot of water that would have gone to waste. Let’s also shorten our showers. Alternatively, one can install a low flow showerhead. This will help save water for everyone. We can strive to ensure that everyone has access to water during and after this time of the virus to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
In addition, it is unfortunate that water pollution is a rising issue of concern in Kenya. This pollution is largely caused by disposal of solid waste, sewage especially in the urban areas and discharge of untreated industrial waste. There is a need to stop water pollution to save the little water we have for everyone. If there is no access to clean water, the situation could worsen. Without clean water many Kenyans will be pushed to use polluted water for hand washing. The polluted water has the potential to cause more diseases instead of preventing the virus. Government agencies responsible for restoring water service to homes where water has been disconnected need to do so quickly. Additionally, there is a need to install public hand-washing stations to serve everyone that may be experiencing water shortages in their homes. As we all work to curb the spread of the virus, it is important that everyone has access to water for hand-washing, personal hygiene, and cleaning. Let’s all be water conscious. This is an effective way to save water. Use water wisely so that everyone can enjoy access and prevent the spread.
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