Lomé, November 19, 2024 – (©AfreePress)- Kampala, the capital of Uganda, hosted the 94th session of the Scientific and Technical Council (STC) of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) on October 18, 2024. Under the theme “Disruptive Technologies and Innovations as Accelerators of SDG 6 in Africa,” this strategic gathering brought together experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss technological solutions and necessary reforms for achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation across the continent.
An Opening Focused on Innovation and Cooperation
The opening ceremony, imbued with solemnity and hope, featured impactful speeches. Mr. François Olivier Gosso, Executive Director of AfWASA, commended Uganda’s commitment to water and sanitation and called for collective action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by 2030. Meanwhile, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, President of AfWASA, highlighted the association’s achievements in addressing contemporary challenges, including resilience post-COVID-19 and the prioritization of sanitation within its mission.
Diagnostics and Perspectives for Uganda’s Water and Sanitation Sector
During his presentation, Eng. Chris Tumusiime, Commissioner for Public Water Utility Regulation, provided an overview of the country’s recent performance:
Water coverage: 68% in rural areas and 70.5% in urban areas.
Sanitation coverage: 79% in rural areas and 87.4% in urban areas.
Cumulative water storage capacity: 50.165 million cubic meters.
While these results are noteworthy, they underscore the need for continued efforts to reduce disparities between rural and urban areas.
Discussions on Disruptive Technologies
In the second session, titled “Disruptive Technologies and Innovations in the Water and Sanitation Sector,” panelists explored the application of artificial intelligence and other innovations to predict breakdowns, optimize aging infrastructure, and efficiently manage resources. Experts from Morocco, Malawi, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire shared their respective experiences, demonstrating how tailored solutions can transform challenges into opportunities.
The third session, dedicated to Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI), saw Dr. Jay Bhagwan showcasing successful research models, such as those from Singapore and South Africa, which could be adapted to address water accessibility issues in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Finally, the last session focused on financial mechanisms and governance frameworks needed to support these innovations. Dr. Mamohloding Tihagale from South Africa emphasized the importance of inclusive financing and robust regulatory frameworks as essential foundations for sustaining technological advancements in the sector.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The meeting also set the stage for the upcoming AfWASA International Congress, scheduled to take place in Kampala from February 16 to 20, 2025. Under the theme “Water and Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa,” the event aims to gather over 5,000 participants for critical discussions on the future of the sector.
