There is an ongoing debate about whether
availability is a basic human right and whether governments should provide
freeCorrect article usage
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supply to every household.
some oppose
notion
economic concerns, I argue in favour of free
provision, as it is vital for human
and wellbeing.
Admittedly, providing free
poses significant economic challenges.
purification and distribution require substantial infrastructure, power, and electricity. Desalination plants, treatment facilities, and pipeline networks demand enormous capital investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
, when South Africa attempted to provide universal free
in rural areas during the 2000s, the programme consumed nearly 15% of the national budget within three years, forcing the government to scale back operations.
, several developing nations have struggled to maintain free
systems
the financial burden. The electricity costs alone for pumping and treating
can devastate struggling economies, redirecting funds from education, healthcare, and other essential services.
, the benefits of free
provision far outweigh these economic concerns. Access to clean drinking
directly improves public
outcomes and reduces healthcare expenditures in the long term. Research from the World
OrganizationChange the spelling
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demonstrates that countries providing
subsidizedChange the spelling
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or free
experience 50% fewer waterborne diseases compared to nations where citizens must purchase
privately. In Finland and Denmark, where tap
is freely accessible and of exceptional quality,
hospitalizationChange the spelling
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rates for dehydration and
-related illnesses are remarkably low.
, when families don't spend income on
, they can allocate resources toward nutrition, education, and housing, breaking cycles of poverty. Children in communities with free
access attend school more regularly, as they don't need to spend hours collecting
from distant sources.
In conclusion, despite legitimate economic concerns, governments should strive to provide free
to all households. The positive impact on public
, education, and poverty reduction justifies the investment, making it not merely an economic decision but a moral imperative for any developed society.