Potable Water an essential Human need

Water is a natural resource that the ecosystem depends on to function effectively. It covers about 70 percent of the earth’s surface, and about 97.2 percent of it is saline (salty). Water is essential to life and daily functions which makes it a basic human right. However, potable water (drinkable water) is not available to all. Potable water is sourced from the surface and ground which are treated to levels safe for consumption. According to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, about 1to 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, a problem that causes 30,000 deaths each week.

Water gotten from natural sources is tested and treated for bacteria, viruses, harmful chemicals, heavy metals, fecal matters, and other contaminants that can affect public health. Drinking untreated or contaminated water can affect public health by exposing them to infections, and diseases.

In Nigeria, access to drinking water is often a challenge most especially in regions with little to no rainfall. According to global citizens, of the 783 million people who are without access to clean water, 40 percent live in sub-Saharan Africa, and more than 320 million people lack access to safe drinking water.

Clean water and sanitation are one of the 7 sustainable development goals (SDGs). While governments and global organizations are doing their best to provide potable water to all; an amazing young woman Chibuzor Mirian Azubuike saw the need to provide drinking water to a small community of people with no access to water.

One of the askclinik teams interviewed her to tell us how her selfless act to provide water for the community where she was observing her one-year mandatory service (NYSC) brought forth the now Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation.

 Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your professional line?

I am Chibuzor Mirian Azubuike a social change person with different dimensions; I’m an author social entrepreneur and researcher. I am the author of ‘The Girl Who Found Water and My Birthmark, My Gift’. I have over ten years of experience as a seminar facilitator and involvement in community development focusing on youth empowerment and clean water provision.

I have engaged over 10 000 youths through the book titled, The Girl Who Found Water. I’m also the founder of Haske Water Aid and Empowerment Foundation with the mission of providing potable water for rural communities and youth empowerment. Through my NGO, I have partnered with corporate and International Organizations to provide clean water for over 55,000 Nigerians. I also provide grants to several young people to embark on water projects.

I have been invited to present talks in the US, China, UK, South Africa amongst others. Some of my involvement over the years include; Associate Fellowship of Commonwealth Society UK, Mandela Washington Fellowship USA, Harry Frank Guggenheim, Young African Scholar Award, USA. I was selected to participate at the prestigious and highly competitive Brown University, Institute of Advanced Research USA.

My book titled, The Girl Who Found Water which sold thousands of copies were made available to libraries of Ivy League Universities, like the University of Oxford, and other world-class institutions.

 I have met world leaders and helped several young people to access fully funded global opportunities. I am passionate about sharing her knowledge.

 What motivated you to start your foundation? (Why water)

Well, during my youth service, I found out that there was a lack of potable water where I served, and also in Nigeria.

 What can you say is/are the challenges in your field of work?

So far, funding has been a major issue.

As a leader, how do you manage your team for productivity?

When I work, it motivates them to work too!

 Tell us about the most tasking project you have done? And why was it tasking?

Our recent borehole project in Enugu. One of the problems we had is funding, we exhausted the budget for the project due to unforeseen circumstances like; accessing the communities, and technical errors.

You do not only provide potable water for communities but also provide grants for corpers in that line. Kindly tell us how you were able to fund your project during your youth service?

I was dogged, I wrote to government parastatals and private agencies for funds till we got their attention.

 Popular opinion is that grants are not real, but mere promises. Can you clear this motion?

Well, grants are real and I have gotten them.

Also, how do you ensure that corpers given grants use them for the said purpose?

We make sure that they have gotten funding before we support them. We collect their batch numbers and follow up with them very well.

As an author of best-selling books, what advice(s) can you give to upcoming writers?

Market your book like your life depends on it. Don’t be shy.

 What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?

 Death is just a step away; give life your all!

 What advice(s) can you give to a girl child/every female out there trying to get things done?

You are a human being first, so do not feel lesser. Go for every good thing that you want.

Remember, potable water is an essential need for everyone. When water is not easily accessible or available, it leads to poor hygiene which affects public health.