Uganda: Kiné-Fatim Diop calls for urgent action to ensure universal access to water and sanitation.
Speaking at a panel discussion in Kampala, Uganda, the Head of Advocacy for the Pan-African WaterAid Programme, Kiné-Fatim Diop, made an urgent appeal to international and local stakeholders. She stressed the need for immediate action to ensure universal access to water and sanitation:
“Access to water and sanitation is a fundamental right. It is also a key element in safeguarding public health, promoting human dignity and supporting economic development. The time has come to act without delay to guarantee this access for all.”
She was speaking at the 22nd International Congress and Exhibition of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AAEA), being held in Uganda from 16 to 20 February. The theme of the meeting, which brings together experts, elected representatives and government officials, is ‘Water and Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa’.
Urgent need to act before 2030
With less than five years to go before the target date for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), experts stressed the importance of urgent action to strengthen fiscal decentralisation to ensure the sustainable provision of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) services. Effective fiscal decentralisation is essential to ensure sustainable, inclusive and equitable delivery of WASH services everywhere,” she added.
Local governments at the heart of the solution
According to Kiné-Fatim Diop, devolving more financial resources and decision-making power to local authorities is crucial to the success of a sustainable and equitable WASH system. She stressed the importance of the active participation of local governments, pointing out that they are best placed to respond to the specific needs of their populations.
“The cost of inaction is unacceptable. Our leaders must prioritise investment in sanitation, with a target of spending 0.5% of national GDP on sanitation and 5% of national budgets on water, sanitation and hygiene.”
The Congress: an essential platform for water sector issues
The Congress and Exhibition organised by the AAEA is one of the most important events in the water and sanitation sector in Africa. It brings together key players in the sector as well as stakeholders from other sectors related to the environment and sustainable development. The AAEA, a professional organisation, brings together more than 237 members from 40 countries across the African continent, working together to improve access to safe water and sanitation across the continent.
The 23rd AAEA International Congress and Exhibition will be held next year in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to continue the collective effort to solve Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.
