The African governments have been asked to invest in climate-resilient water systems and irrigation to reduce vulnerability to climate change. The call was made by stakeholders who attended – The 20th Africa Water Association (AfWA) International Congress and exhibition, the water and sanitation sector gathering held in Uganda last week.
Hosted by The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), the four-day event took place at the Kampala Serena hotel under the theme; Breaking new grounds to accelerate access to water and sanitation for all.
While addressing the gathering, African Water Association (AfWA) Program Director Dr. Simeon Kenfack called upon African governments to work together in addressing climate change risks.
“As governments implement ambitious national climate action plans and strategies, they must show the world that Africa is able to work as a family to address risks of climate impacts using existing knowledge and solutions,” he said.
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He revealed that AfriAlliance, a climate change project which aims to better prepare Africa for climate change challenges by having African & European stakeholders work together, is forging partnerships necessary to accelerate universal access to water and sanitation in Africa.
Rapid urbanization in Africa has led to high per capita water consumption and accelerated demand yet the risk of water shortage remains because water crisis is partially climate induced.
Uganda’s Water Minister Ronald Kibuule said everyone needs to become water wise alongside water-saving initiatives put in place. “We believe the water crisis is solvable. By working together, we can take one step closer to a world free from water crisis.”
According to the World Resources Institute, Africa has extremely high-water risk with nearly a third of the population facing water scarcity. Sub-Saharan Africa is hardest-hit with 90% of the rural population depending on agriculture as the main source of income and more than 95% of arable farming relies on rainfall.
While acknowledging that management of water sources is a challenge, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni called for the protection of wetlands and recovery of those that have been encroached.
Wetlands are key in providing safe, clean and regular water flows, reducing soil erosion and helping keep water free of sediment.
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