Africa seeks solutions to water and sanitation challenges

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Stakeholders from all over the continent are making their way to Libreville, Gabon to discuss solutions to Africa’s water and sanitation challenges at the 11th African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) General Assembly. 

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Pamela Tshwete is set to lead South Africa’s delegation to the AMCOW General Assembly and the 7th Africa Water Week which take place from 29 – 31 October 2018.

The AMCOW General Assembly serves as a platform for Ministers of Water and Sanitation to discuss issues affecting the continent and take key decisions.

Deputy Minister Tshwete will use AMCOW General Assembly’s platform to highlight issues that affect South Africa and the continent, which could be a stumbling block in effectively providing water and sanitation services to the people of the region.

The assembly, to be attended by representatives from governments, regional institutions, international partners, the private sector, the scientific community and civil society from the continent, will also focus on issues such as climate change, water supply and sanitation.

Africa Sanitation Policy Guidelines

It will further focus on, among others, the Senegal Blue Fund and Africa Sanitation Policy Guidelines. South Africa is expected to lead discussions on sanitation, while member states will share their experiences.

South Africa is one of the few countries on the continent that has an approved Sanitation Policy. Deputy Minister Tshwete is expected to share with member states South Africa’s milestones in its resolve to address historic sanitation challenges and highlight plans to tackle outstanding backlogs.

Toward achieving water security

Parallel to the 11th General Assembly, the Deputy Minister will participate in the 7th Africa Water Week activities convened by AMCOW and African Union Commission under the theme “Toward Achieving Water Security and Safely Managed Sanitation for Africa”.

The 7th Africa Water Week is set to build momentum towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water security and sanitation by 2030, the 2025 Africa Water Vision as well as bringing to the fore the Africa’s Agenda 2063. – SAnews.gov.za