Flint water crisis is one of the critical issues in the United States. It is worth noting that the residents of Flint are facing major health concerns that are linked to water. The responsible stakeholders continue to blame each other for the water crisis. Also, the water crisis in Flint has become a political issue in the current democratic and republic nomination campaigns. The primary concern is the presence of high level of lead in water that is consumed by residents of Flint Michigan (Felton 2). Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) have a responsibility in dealing with community problems. In this case, CBOs should undertake plans that guarantee a safe supply of water at Flint. The CBOs have to take responsibility for enabling the crisis to reach the current level. The CBOs are decision makers on issues that affect the community. The CBOs should provide a platform for all residents of Flint to come together and discuss the water crisis issue. The discussion should be streamlined towards analyzing the solution and causes of the Flint water crisis. The CBOs should continue to raise concerns and ensure that the state, federal and local government come to the rescue of residents in the regions.
The CBOs can also file lawsuits against the government official and institutions responsible for the crisis. The lawsuits have to focus on compensation for the damages and negligence on the water crisis (Felton 4). On the same note, CBOs can assist in dealing with the crisis by sharing information with the community member on the health effects of lead poisoning. Accessibility to clean water at Flint is a threat to human health. CBOs should work together with government and experts in inventing possible ways of enhancing clean and drinkable water (Pritchard).
CBOs can be part of the solution by donating drinking water to the residents. On the same note, the CBO can assist the various organizations in distributing water and supporting response team in educating people on the crisis. Also, CBOs can help in communicating with political leaders and decision makers to share the ideas in solving the problem. The CBOs can analyze the Flint crisis through monitoring and evaluation process. The community members should be involved in implementing the planned solution. In general perspective, CBOs have a critical role to play in addressing the Flint water crisis.
Work Cited
Felton, Ryan. Flint’s Water Crisis: What Went Wrong. The Guardian. January 16th, 2016
Pritchard, Michael. How to make Filthy Water Drinkable. July 2016 <https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_pritchard_invents_a_water_filter>
