©AfreePress-(Lomé, november 28, 2023)- Experts in water and sanitation, convened by the African Association of Water and Sanitation (AAEA) from 14 countries across the continent, are gathered from November 27th to 29th, 2023, in Conakry, Guinea. They will discuss critical financial strategies to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation services. These discussions precede the forthcoming congress on water and sanitation scheduled for February 2024 in the same country.
During the opening ceremony, the Director-General of the Guinea Water Company (SEG), in his address, emphasized the need for financial innovations to transform raw water into accessible drinking water for all. According to conclusions from this year’s water forum held in Conakry, the sector’s needs in Guinea amount to $2.7 billion.
« At present, the water sector requires a massive investment of $2.7 billion for urban drinking water and sanitation. Despite the government’s expressed willingness to support this initiative, the traditional financing scheme typically proposed by donors falls short of meeting this urgent need. It is imperative that we rethink our strategies to revitalize and catalyze the development of this vital sector, » highlighted Aboubacar Camara, SEG’s Director-General.
Discussions will revolve around seeking innovative solutions and financing models tailored to the African reality that can lead the continent toward universal access to water and sanitation. AAEA’s Scientific and Technical Council (CST) reiterates that this access is the 6th sustainable development goal, requiring significant investments and sustainable financing frameworks.
Government representatives from Guinea, present at the launch event, underscored the crucial importance of access to clean water and a healthy environment for Guinean and African populations. Commitments will be made to meet the drinking water needs in various cities across the country.
« Despite its water potential, the Republic of Guinea is making significant efforts to find solutions for drinking water and sanitation. Acknowledging this situation, the new transitional authorities, led by the Head of State, have ensured that access to clean water and a healthy environment for the population becomes a priority. Thus, organizing an AAEA congress in Guinea in February 2024 is in line with the objectives set by the Guinean Government, such as strengthening networks with international specialists, providing appropriate advice, and guiding executive direction to achieve these goals. Therefore, I am delighted to open this meeting on water in Guinea today, especially for this significant instance for AAEA’s scientific and technological committee. Therefore, dear scientists present here, we commend you for the efforts made so far and encourage you to persevere in this direction (…). It is on this hopeful note that I declare these 92nd sessions open, » stated Mrs. Lima Bah, Chief of Staff of the Department of Energy, Hydraulics, and Hydrocarbons.
These meetings take place in a context where over a third of Africans lack access to clean water, and 70% live in areas without proper sanitation. The gathering aims to share approaches and strategies to facilitate access to this vital resource for all.
Olivier ADJA
