KAMPALA – The Government of Uganda through National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is hosting the 83rd Africa Water Association (AFWA) high-level technical meeting to discuss scientific and technology innovations and developments on the continent.
The Scientific and Technical Council (STC) is charged with promoting science and technological solutions and advancements among water utilities under the Afwa umbrella.
More than 150 delegates from 27 countries attended the five-day conference, which started on November 11, at the NWSC Bugolobi-based International Resource Centre.
Delegates discussed and shared ideas on access to clean water, sanitation, sustainable and cheaper options of treating water and environmental protection using ICT-based solutions and reuse of water under the theme “The Relevance of Circular Economy In Achieving Access To Safe Water and Sanitation For all In Africa.”
NWSC Board chairman Dr. Eng ChristopherEbal, who opened the meeting, urged NWSC officials to learn as much from their colleagues as they share information. Talking about the upcoming election for the AFWA executive, he urged members to elect competent leaders. He added that countries need clean water and sanitation facilities for their citizens to avoid diseases that are a hindrance to the economic growth of nations.
The representative of from the Ministry of Water and Environment Eng Joseph Epitu, the Asst sector performance Development made a presentation about the sector in Uganda. He discussed the governance and operational structures.
The First AFWA STC president Papa Diope thanked NWSC MD Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha and the corporation for supporting AFWA initiatives.
“NWSC is a benchmark for other utilties in AFWA. Discussion like these with experts in Uganda will provide solutions to the sector challenges in Africa. Our children will also stop walking miles and miles looking for water. We can’t wait to be in Uganda again come February 2020” he said
NWSC Ag Managing Director Eng Amayo Johnson said that NWSC has already proved the country’s ability to host the event after successfully hosting the 2010 edition in Kampala.
“We are living in an environment were resources are diminishing i.e water quality is deteriorating and investment financing is scarce. “Discussions on reuse of water are paramount. We need to urge our people that they can still do more with less water using as hence the reuse policy,” he advised
2nd President of AFWA STC and NWSC Director Business and Scientific services Rose Kaggwa chaired various sessions of the meetings. She discussed the role of NWSC and synergies between AFWA members.
