This is what the present is like in Africa, and what the future will be like for the entire world: Across the city children and adults are seen laden with containers in search of water wherever it can be found. As if the shortage and filthy condition of most of the water available are not enough headaches for most of the residents, owners of the few chlorinated wells across the city or even open wells have resorted to selling water at higher than normal prices. In parts of the city our reporter visited, it was observed that a gallon of water now sells for between 15 to 50 Liberian dollars depending on the quality of the water, the disposition of the well owner, and the desperation of the buyer. "What we will do? We have to buy water at higher prices because those who own wells are concentrating on making profits. You either buy at their prices or you die of thirst," said Marshall Thompson of Carey Street who said they have cut down water ration to less than half gallon per person. "I used to be able to pay for enough water for bathing, drinking, washing, and flushing commodes. But now we have to decide which of these to use water for and washing is not one of them," he said. Story about the current (Dec. 2005) water shortage in Monrovia, Libera, from All Africa. |
The water problem can be broken into two main areas:
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The Aral Sea Water Pollution |