-Angelot Ndongmo-

Cousins!

According to ABC12, the Flint water crisis began way back in 2011 when it first entered its state of emergency. Governor Rick Snyder was in office, wrapping up his first year. An emergency manager was brought in.

In 2013, they decided to switch water resources from Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to Karegnondi Water Authority once a new pipeline was complete. However, the city still needed a water resource in the midst of the changes, so they concluded the water would come from…wait for it…. the Flint River flowing through the city.

A consulting firm called ‘Lockwood, Andrews & Newman’, began preparations to get the city’s water treatment plant ready for operations, since it had been closed down for years. Then in June, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said, NO CORROSION CONTROL REQUIRED for a new water source. 

In 2014, despite warnings, Flint Mayor Dayne Walling officially switched Flint’s water source to the Flint River, without CORROSION CONTROL. Seemingly aware of the vulnerable population who would be affected by this decision and …welp!….was ok with it. Even created a press release to convince the public not to believe their lying eyes, the water was fine. 

By summer, a multitude of complaints and 1 death from legionnaires disease (pneumonia illness) has happened. General Motors stopped using Flint water because it was corroding their auto parts.

In 2015, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department stepped up to the plate offering their humanity and a solution. They would switch water back free of charge to solve the situation. Emergency manager at that time, Darnell Earley, shot their suggestion down. 

-First test of water revealed significant lead contamination (7x the acceptable limit).

-Pastors called on Governor Snyder to declare a State of Emergency. 

-Second legionnaires outbreak (caused by inhaling bacteria from water or soil) since the water source switch. 

After that, an exhaustive list of incompetence or negligence ensued, leading up to the first round of criminal charges filed against individuals responsible for their roles in this man-made disaster.

In 2018, Snyder was warned once again, water was not entirely safe to consume. Snyder kept it moving and declared water was safer than even other cities.

In 2019 all charges were dropped so a brand new meticulous investigation could begin; one that served search warrants to include Gov. Snyder’s cell phone records. 

In 2020, investigators asked for patience with the matter as there were countless documents to comb through.

“In August, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Nessel announced a $600 million settlement on behalf of the state, for dozens of civil lawsuits filed over the water crisis. The settlement called for 80% of funds to go for young children who suffered lead poisoning in Flint, likely netting six-figure awards for them.” reports ABC12.

This year, in early 2021, 42 criminal charges were dispersed among nine defendants. Snyder’s number was up as well as his senior aide, Rich Baird, who faced the most serious charges. Wells faced the most charges with 12. 

Flint has since begun the arduous process of executing the phases, required to repair all the criminal decisions that were made over the decade, that negatively impacted Michigan’s water for its residents.

In Benton Harbour, just under 3 hours away from Flint, a state of emergency was declared to assist with fixing their pipes a lot quicker due to contaminated water, reports CNN. It’s population is 85% black. 

There has been quick action this time around, even ‘$15 million of the state’s 2022 budget is being used to supply residents with bottled water and for other key uses.’ The governor’s press release stated. Story is still developing.

Cousins, as an added layer of protection to residents, should those making decisions on water (including governors) have an expectation to guzzle a glass daily at the start of each on LIVE? Comment below.