Survey on The Challenges for Achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: A Global Insight
Hamidullah Aman, Ziaul Haq Doost, Abdul Wali Hejran, Ali Danandeh Mehr, Robert Szczepanek, Gordon Gilja
Abstract
Achieving the Sustainable Development goal 6 (SDG 6) remains a significant challenge, especially in developing countries where limitation of resources, inadequate infrastructures and environmental pressures are widespread. This review paper examines the studies published between 2010-2024 to focus on key challenges that prevent the progress towards SDG 6, including insufficient infrastructure, climate change impacts, rapid growth of Urbanization, low public awareness regarding the SDGs, and limited financial funds available. The findings of this paper show that funding gaps and insufficient infrastructures remain a great challenge particularly in low-income countries, where access to clean water and sanitation is crucially low, funding gaps in developing countries further hinder the progress of SDG 6. Climate change exacerbates water scarcity, and the water quality is degraded through climate impacted pollution, extreme weather events and pressure on groundwater resources. Further water resources are reduced due to the impact of urbanization through reduced ground water recharge, increasing demand, and deteriorating pollution, particularly in rapidly growing cities and urban slums, Moreover, low levels of public awareness and reluctance to support sustainable water management practices hinder community engagement, which is essential for achieving SDG 6 goals. The paper concludes with a call for action, urging policymakers and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions, promote cross-sector collaboration, and prioritize investments in water and sanitation infrastructure. Only through comprehensive and coordinated efforts can equitably access to clean water and sanitation become a global reality.