The United Nations has recognized the importance of water as a prerequisite to sustainable development. Unlike in the MDG where water and sanitation was categorized/hidden under goal #7 (Environmental Sustainability), the recently adopted SDGs have recognized “Clean Water and Sanitation” as a unique goal, which needs to stand on its own. Goal #6 of the SDGs aims to make clean water and sanitation available to all by 2030. It is however, imperative to note that without achieving this goal #6 (‘water goal’) every other goal is unachievable. If in doubt, think about these:

Clean Water is poverty alleviation. It does not distinguish the poor from the rich. Clean Water keeps our fish alive and eradicates hunger 

Clean Water is health. It does not differentiate the sick from the healthy. In fact, clean water cures; clean water heals; clean water soothes; clean water save lives.

Clean Water is quality education. Access to clean water means our children will be in school instead of walking long distances in search of potable water. Our young girls will also be in school without fear of stigmatization during their menstrual cycle because there is no water in schools.

Clean Water is gender equality. It does not differentiate between a boy and a girl; it does not distinguish a man from a woman; everyone has the right to use it and it does not treat a boy differently from a girl. Clean Water is social inclusion. It does not differentiate one culture from another. Clean Water reduces inequality.

Water is renewable energy. Hydropower is energy from water.  It is renewable. With hydropower, we can reduce our overdependence on fossil fuels as energy source. Our cities are sustainable with proper water use.

Clean Water creates good job and enhance economic growth. With clean water, anglers have a good source of livelihood. Water creates the path for export and import. It enhances multilateral trade and fosters relationship between countries.

Clean Water drives innovation; clean water is infrastructure; the waterway is a safe transport media. Maintain the rivers, oceans, lakes, the same way we maintain our highways

Nothing teaches us responsible consumption better than water scarcity or lack of clean water to quench our thirst, clean our bodies and homes.

Clean Water is Climate Friendly. It does not add to global warming. Clean water does not release greenhouse gases. Water gives us an alternative to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Water stores and transmits energy in a clean way. Water is climate action.

Clean water sustains life below water; dirty water kills life below water. Our oceans, seas, rivers and lakes are not dumping sites they are living sites for aquatic organisms.

What is life on land without clean water?  Every live on land needs water to survive.

Clean Water brings peace and justice. Clean Water is not a racist. It does not distinguish a black skin from a white skin. Water gives the youths jobs and keeps them away from trouble.

Working together to achieve clean water and sanitation is partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

WATER is SDG. It is the bedrock of every goal in the SDG. I am convinced and I hope you are too. Together, let us make clean water available to all. Together, let us stop open defecation; it is a threat to a clean water goal. Together, let us make the SDG a WATER GOAL.