In view of the summer temperatures, the German Social Association (SoVD) is calling for more public drinking fountains in Hamburg. This is vital for the survival of homeless people in particular, said the Hamburg SoVD regional chairman Klaus Wicher. “Especially in inner-city districts, where the daytime heat lasts particularly long, there must be more drinking opportunities.”
Every day, thousands of travelers and a large portion of the homeless community gather around the main train station. But there are only two places where you can get fresh drinking water. “That’s not particularly humane,” he said.
More drinking fountains in Berlin and Vienna
Politicians underestimate the fact that summers are getting hotter in the north too. Heat protection and more greenery for the city should be at the top of the Senate’s list of priorities, said Wicher, warning: “Above all, the supply of publicly accessible drinking water is progressing too slowly.”
There are currently 38 drinking points in Hamburg. Berlin, on the other hand, has 166 and Vienna has over 1,000 public drinking points. “So Hamburg could do more.” Not only people living on the streets, but also senior citizens, children, people with disabilities and the sick need a better drinking water supply, he said.
