The 18th African Water Congress came to a close today morning, bringing to the end a four-day deliberation of experts in the water sector from around the world.
The conference was solutions oriented, touching on innovations, funding and other key factors that contribute to water scarcity and availability.
Experts deliberated on solutions to the water problem in Africa, promising to take into account all ideas and resolutions made during the Congress. The delegates agreed that it is time to beat the 2030 MDG deadline and ensure that there is 100% access to water in Africa. Key among issues discussed was the need to find financing for innovations and build capacity of professions with the inclusion of young people in the water sector.
Speaking during a press conference, the Executive Director, Usher Sylvain, said that the water sector needs to be more attractive to the youth.
“Water professionals are aging as fast as the infrastructure. We need young people in the sector and we need to find ways to attract them to join the water industry through innovations and technology” Said AfWA Executive Director, Usher Sylvain.
Speaking at the same conference, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company MD, Eng Philip Gichuki, stated that Kenya has made strides in the provision of safe and clean water for use in the informal settlements. He further stated that the government of Kenya is working with key financial partners like the World Bank and The Central Bank of Kenya to ensure that every household in the formal or informal settlements are connected to clean, safe, enough accessible water.
“Currently, the government is concentrating on ensuring that the distribution network of water is seamless so that every Kenyan has access to this important commodity,’’ said Gichuki.
The conference brought together over 1500 delegates, all having the common goal of finding solutions so as to ensure that everyone in Africa has access to sustainable access to water and sanitation.
The theme of the Congress was “sustainable access to water and sanitation in Africa.”
Photo: Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company MD, Eng Philip Gichuki (R) with Usher Sylvain. Gichuki said the government is concentrating on ensuring that the distribution network of water is seamless.