Water sector leaders, development partners and government ministries have called for universally guaranteed access to water and sanitation services in Africa.
In a release issued at the end of 21scheduled tribe African Water Association International Congress and Exhibition and 7th At the Faecal Sludge Management Conference, participants acknowledged the burden of inadequate water and sanitation in Africa, and the need for closer coordination between government, development partners and industry to mobilize financing to strengthen the water sector.
More than 1,600 delegates and representatives from 146 international companies participated in the February 19-23 joint conference, which was co-sponsored by the African Development Bank.
Dr. Silver Mugisha, president of the African Water and Sanitation Association, stressed that going forward sanitation will be a big part of the association’s focus and urged others to do the same. “We don’t just say that we have added cleanliness but have built it from the ground up.”
Mugisha also said: “Let’s go with action-oriented tech homes to make a difference. Whatever we do, we must do it in the best interest of the people and hopefully this conference has provided some things that we can use.”
Osward Chanda, Director of Water Development and Sanitation, African Development Bank, stressed the importance of innovation, partnerships and new approaches in strengthening water service delivery. He expressed optimism about the possible partnerships formed during the Congress to implement innovations and help the water sector.
Chanda also advocated for promoting business models to strengthen knowledge, increase efficiency and increase access to water and sanitation, and to include beneficiary voices in the sector conversation.
“We need more voices of beneficiaries in these conversations so that they can provide the necessary experience and knowledge from the ground,” said Chanda. He also reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting actions, initiatives and innovations that will improve livelihoods and make a difference to Africans.
Drissa Diomande, Chief of Staff to the Ivorian Minister for Hydraulics, Sanitation and Hygiene, unveiled the Abidjan 2023 Declaration on Access to Water and Sanitation. The communique recognizes the need for an integrated approach to the management of water resources to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030.
Mr Diomande also recommended that the declaration be presented during the UN Water Conference in New York in March 2023.
The next African Water and Sanitation Union Congress will be held in Guinea in February 2024 conakry