We are a region situated on the South Coast of Southern Africa. It is a popular tourist destination. Thousands of people are suffering and the indigent are suffering the most. It is the result of corrupt officials who have abused money and power, instead of maintaining and improving the infrastructure. They have led us into a decade of famine and drought.

The Corrupt officials should be brought to justice and charged to the full extent of the law. They should be replaced with people who are concerned about the welfare of our children, our community, our future.

I am concerned that there are children who do not have access to clean drinking water. These conditions lead to people utilizing rivers and ponds for water. When these sources are contaminated we have all types of diseases. Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. This will put a strain on our already failing health systems.

We need action to be taken as this is a gross infringement of our basic human right to clean drinking water. It is the poverty stricken that are hit the hardest. They have to choose between having clean drinking water or a plate of food.