NationStates Jolt Archive

Please note that this proposal is now up for NSUN Rep voting - I implore you to give it your careful consideration:

CATEGORY: Social Justice
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare

PROPOSAL: BASIC WATER SUPPLY ACT
To provide for the rights of free access to baseline water supply and basic sanitation;

ACKNOWLEDGING
-that all spheres of Government must strive to provide water supply services and sanitation services sufficient for subsistence and sustainable economic activity;

RECOGNIZING
-that water is a scarce and unevenly distributed resource which occurs in many different forms which are all part of a unitary, interdependent cycle;

UNDERSTANDING
-that not all peoples are able to afford the basics needed for day-to-day living.
____________________________________

The main object of this Act is to provide for:
The right of access to free baseline water supply and the right to basic sanitation;

-Subject to the national water resource strategy, the Minister may determine this basic water supply quantity.

-A person may use water in or from a water resource for purposes such as reasonable domestic use, domestic gardening, animal watering, fire fighting and recreational use.

-The consumer may, at the water service providers discretion, pay for any water-usage, over and above the free basic water supply.

-Procedures for the limitation or discontinuation of water services must not result in a person being denied access to basic water services for non-payment, where that person proves, to the satisfaction of the relevant water services provider, that he or she is unable to pay for basic services.

-If the water services provided by a water services institution are unable to meet the requirements of all its existing consumers, it must give preference to the provision of basic water supply and basic sanitation to them.

-Governments not currently meeting the requirements for this proposal shall be given a grace period of ten years in which to comply with this law.

-In order to comply with this Act, water service providers may, in areas where there are no water-providing infrastructures:
- lay new water-pipes,
- sink bore-holes,
- erect water-towers or water reservoirs,
- build water treatment plants, etc,

__________________________

“basic sanitation”
-including but not limited to the prescribed minimum standard of services necessary for the safe, hygienic and adequate collection, removal, disposal or purification of human excreta, domestic waste-water and sewage from households, including informal households;

“basic water supply”
-the prescribed minimum standard of water supply necessary for the reliable supply of a sufficient quantity and quality of treated, clean water to households, including informal households, to support life and personal hygiene;

“consumer”
-any end user who receives water services from a water services provider, including an end user in an informal settlement;

“water services provider''
-any person, institution, company, authority or any other body responsible for the provision of water to consumers under this resolution;

Thank you for your time and consideration

HRH The Queen Diva
Diva-Rule

Not bad, just one thing... some nations' resources simply can't meet the demand for water that their citizens present. Perhaps a clause about international aid for governments in arid regions?

Not bad, just one thing... some nations' resources simply can't meet the demand for water that their citizens present. Perhaps a clause about international aid for governments in arid regions?

The proposal does seem to skip that completely, doesn't it?
hmmm...I have already submitted it, so it is too late to add such a clause, BUT if the proposal does not make it to the required number of votes, rest assured that I will add a clause to address the omission.

Also, to everyone who has so far supported the proposal, I thank you for your support.

nice proposal....I'll ask my delegate to endorse.

nice proposal....I'll ask my delegate to endorse.

And for that I thank you!

Up for Voting: Basic Water Supply Act
Just to clarify, Diva-Rule:

Up for voting generally means your proposal is on the floor of the General Assembly for voting by the entire UN. I just glanced there in surprise, as I didn't think we had anything with enough Approvals for a vote

This proposal has been Submitted for Approval by UN regional delegates. Once it achieves quorum, it would eventually be Up for Voting. It would clarify this topic if you altered your topic title/description accordingly.

Just to clarify, Diva-Rule:

Up for voting generally means your proposal is on the floor of the General Assembly for voting by the entire UN. I just glanced there in surprise, as I didn't think we had anything with enough Approvals for a vote

This proposal has been Submitted for Approval by UN regional delegates. Once it achieves quorum, it would eventually be Up for Voting. It would clarify this topic if you altered your topic title/description accordingly.

*Is bashing head repeatedly against antique desk top*
Too true Frisbeeteria! It seems every time I submit this proposal I make some sort of mistake...But oh well - you know what they say: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"