Leadership to tackle continental water solutions

By Owen Nyaka

In an effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 which aims to ensure universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, Malawi’s Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) will from next week July 21 – 24 host the 95^th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) conference of the Africa Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASWA).

This comes when UNICEF reports that 1 in 3 children approximately 739 million globally live in areas with high or very high water scarcity, putting them at risk from waterborne diseases and other health issues. Climate change is exacerbating this crisis, with droughts and floods further impacting water access.

LWB Chief Executive Officer CPA Silli Mbewe says Malawi which currently holds the Vice Presidency of AfWASWA through his organisation is aligns well with the broader strategic agenda to strengthen the Boards influence, not just in infrastructure development, but in knowledge leadership, innovation, and sector transformation.

The AfWASWA conference which is scheduled to be held at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in the capital, Lilongwe is under the theme: “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa.”

Briefing members of WASH media forum, CPA Mbewe says this theme speaks to the current realities we face, where the effects of climate change are no longer abstract, they are here with us.

“From prolonged droughts to frequent flooding, the resilience of our water system is under pressure, and there is urgent need to accelerate our shift towards sustainable, adaptive, and environmentally sound solutions,” he said.

This year’s event will mark the second time for Malawi to host the AfWASWA STC. The first time was in 2016. This year, more than 200 delegates from over 20 African countries, representing water and sanitation utilities, government ministries, academic and research institutions, private companies, NGOs, and financing partners are expected to tackle water solutions during the conference.

Director of Water Supply Services in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Prince Mleta highlighted the conference’s importance in addressing continental water and sanitation challenges. He said Malawi has made notable strides in aligning itself with the agenda of a green economy and climate resilience. As such, this conference provides a timely platform for Malawi to showcase its progress, learn, develop partnerships and attracts investment.