In the home where I live in Nouakchott, there is a tank where clean water is stored for household use. If there is not enough water from the tank, I can call and get a delivery to come, but this is not something everyone can afford to do. It is important to highlight that because fresh water is limited. some people drink this water. Many others choose to buy bottled water for drinking, since water from the tank has a higher chance of being polluted or holding bacteria that can cause different health issues.
Water is vital for everyone! People in Mauritania need clean water to drink, cook, and stay clean--the basic reasons for any community to need water. The majority of the water from the rivers is used to farm and take care of livestock, such as cows and goats. For the Mauritanian people, this water is extremely precious and important. In my home, the clean water must go through a pump to come to the bathroom or kitchen, which also require electricity to run the pump.
For poor people, the need for water is a constant concern. Water is needed for so many reason, from basic hydration (drinking) to cooking, cleaning, and to sanitation. There are neighborhoods where they need to go to a water station to fill barrels and jugs with water. The push to develop a public sanitation system is the first step to ensuring that the grounds are not polluted with harmful dirt and diseases. This will also help bring awareness to Mauritanians about the importance of practicing personal hygiene like washing your hands after using the bathroom. But for all of this, water in needed.
