Africa-Press – Malawi. The African Water and Sanitation Association (Afwasa) has called for stronger continental unity to accelerate access to clean water and sanitation, as it officially opened the 95th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) Conference in Lilongwe Monday.
The conference, held under the theme ‘Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa’, has brought together government officials, utility leaders, experts and civil society actors from across the continent to share solutions and strengthen partnerships in the water and sanitation sector.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia said African countries must act collectively and urgently to tackle worsening water challenges brought on by climate change, poor infrastructure and underinvestment.
“This conference must not just be about dialogue, but also about commitment. Let it be remembered for the solutions that were reached, the partnerships forged and the changes that followed,” Mia said.
She warned that the water sector remains severely underfinanced, despite data showing its potential to generate major returns in public health, productivity and economic growth.
“As climate change disrupts our water systems, we must integrate resilience and sustainability into our policies. Water does not know borders. Rivers flow across nations. It must follow that the solutions to our challenges lie within us, collectively,” Mia said.
Afwasa, through its STC chairperson Mahmood Lutaaya, stressed the importance of African-led solutions in building climate resilience and expanding water access.
Lutaaya said the council had undergone reforms to align its work with Africa’s broader development goals.
“The STC is not merely a meeting. It is a technical engine where innovations are created and strategies aligned.
“We have moved from being a Scientific and Technological Council to a Strategic and Technological Council and this speaks to our growing focus on institutional reform, climate finance and utility performance,” he said.
Lilongwe Water Board Chief Executive Officer Silli Mbewe said Africa must strengthen local and regional cooperation to overcome water scarcity.
Mbewe appealed to stakeholders across the Southern Africa region to join platforms such as the Alpha Party to support long-term water security goals.
“As we deliberate here, we do so knowing that women, children and youth continue to bear the burden of water shortages. We must be deliberate in our actions and inclusive in our approach,” Mbewe said.
With over 30 African countries represented, Awasa’s gathering in Lilongwe reinforced the message that Africa’s water future must be built on shared action, shared innovation and shared responsibility.
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