In August, the Right to Water initiative, in cooperation with the cycling group Macje oko, organized an action called “Bicycling and checking with chesama”. The aim of the action was to check on the ground the condition of public fountains in Belgrade, of which 205 are currently connected to the city’s water supply system. .
During one day, 40 cyclists divided into teams visited public water fountains distributed along different routes throughout the city. In the field, they recorded: whether there are fountains, whether they are functioning and whether water is available at them.
Why are public water fountains important?
This action pointed to the key role of public fountains in urban space, especially during heat waves caused by climate change. The free availability of water in the city is a basic prerequisite for the health and safety of citizens, especially children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Checking the taps in the field shows how important it is to keep public water systems functional and accessible to all. Water is not a luxury – it is a right and a necessity of life.
Action as an incentive for the protection of public goods
In addition to recording the state of the water fountains, the action was also an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining and protecting public water assets. Public fountains are a symbol of water accessibility, and their functionality directly affects the quality of life in the city.
The Right to Water initiative continues to monitor the condition of public fountains and calls on citizens to join similar actions, because only joint action can ensure that water in public spaces remains available to everyone.
