United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization
also known as UNESCO discovered something that could possibly improve the lives
of future generations in North Kenya and enable them to have access to the most
natural of all resources, water. So far five underground water supplies have
been found, ironically in a county that is plagued with dry seasons and
droughts. UNESCO stumbled upon this underground water supply during a flushing
process. Two of the aquifers were discovered with an advanced satellite
technology and a drill to confirm the results of the satellite. There is a huge
significance to this finding because out of a total population of 41 million
people in Kenya, 17 million people lack sufficient access to safe drinking
water and 28 million people do not have adequate sanitation. For now Kenya's
secretary of environment is finding a way to safeguard the water supply for
future generations as well as using the water responsibly. Precautions are also
being taken to determine the amount of the water supply and the waters
quality. RTI, a team that helped to discover the aquifers said that they
estimated the aquifers to contain a minimum reserve of about 66 trillion
gallons of water. UNESCO described the find as a scientific triumph.
The discovery of the five aquifers in North Kenya proves how
technology can enhance economic growth. There are many reasons why this
discovery pulls more weight than black gold discovered in the past. One of those
reasons being the fact that, depending on the finding of the quality of the
water that these aquifers contain this may change the way future generations
live and conserve water. Many people in North Kenya are deprived from water
sources because of the arid land but now are given hope with the new found water
supply. It is said that Kenya’s water
supply will be increased 70 years by 10 percent. The technology of the
satellite has created a gateway to solving societal issues like having access
to water.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/world/africa/aquifers-discovered-in-drought-ridden-kenya.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0
Cynthia Brooks
9/12/13
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