THE Information Age is not only fascinating, given its limitless opportunities and possibilities; it is also fascinating for the fact that it allows persons to have ringside seats to what is taking place in other societies.This access presents opportunities to follow and learn about issues and how they are handled, and in instances, we at home can learn from the experiences of others.

“I am sorry and I’ll fix it”. These seven loaded words were uttered by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in his annual State of the State Address on Tuesday, 19th January. This acceptance of responsibility has to do with the present crisis in Flint, where the water has been found to be contaminated with dangerously high levels of lead, which carries dire health consequences for users. The problem has its genesis in the “Emergency Manager Law” which was first passed in 2011, overturned in 2012 by the voters, and another passed in 2013. This law seeks, among other things, to empower the governor to appoint financial managers to oversee institutions encountering financial difficulties, where he deems it necessary. This power has been condemned in quarters, given it allows the governor to overrule elected leaders and impose his will on communities.

Under this law, the governor appointed a financial manager to oversee Flint’s water system, taking the responsibility out of the hands of the local government; and in this attempt at cost-cutting, the quality of the water became compromised. Earlier tests discovered E. coli and faecal bacteria in the water; and later, elevated levels of lead in the blood. It was also found that the water had high levels of total trihalomethanes and did not confirm to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Environmental Protection Agency has declared that the contaminated water threatens “liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; [and] increased risk of cancer.” Residents have reported suffering from vomiting, hair loss, and diarrhoea.

What is egregious about this matter is that, even as evidence of the threat the water posed was made public by environmentalist, paediatricians and researchers, and residents were complaining of the funny smell and effects suffered from usage, the government was telling residents it was safe to use.

Further fallout from this crisis will see children having to deal with brain problems and behavioural issues for the rest of their lives. This is a crisis of epic proportions, and it is bound to have long term socio-economic and political impact and ramifications. Among other things, it shows a clear case of imposition of a person’s will and disregard for the will and voices of the people. In a militant society, this issue also carries racial and political overtones. 56.6 percent of Flint’s population is Black, and though Michigan is generally considered a blue (Democratic) state, Republicans are mindful of turning it red.

Thus it came as no surprise that Republican and Democratic presidential contenders have seen the importance of weighing in on this crisis, with some blasting the governor and calling for his resignation.

With that being said, outside of President Barack Obama declaring, on 16th, Flint’s water crisis a national emergency — which allows the federal government to coordinate relief and channel resources to arrest the situation — there are two other bright spots. The recent acceptance by the governor of the problem, his apology and commitment to fix it, and action on 22nd to restore some power to the mayor to deal with the water system, are positive indicators.

There are many morals to this story for us on the outside looking in. We invite readers to deduct theirs. This notwithstanding, what is instructive is the Governor’s contrition. Though ours is not a culture wherein persons are known to own up to actions gone wrong and commit to fixing them, it does not mean that this cannot become a feature in our daily experience.