South Africa has expressed its support for bulk water infrastructure investment on the African continent to ensure socio-economic development.
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, made the pledge for support during a panel discussion held on the sidelines of the Stockholm World Water Week conference currently underway in Sweden.
The panel discussion was organised by the African Union Commission, and the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, in collaboration with Global Water Partnership on Tuesday. The discussion was attended by representatives from Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia and Senegal.
Speaking during a panel discussion, Mahlobo said it was “high time for Africans to pull themselves together and work harder” to enhance the investment of infrastructure in Africa.
“We are well capable of improving the state of the continent and in doing so, we need to stop wanting to be pitied,” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister emphasised the significance of collaborative work among African countries, with the intention of alleviating poverty and improving the lives of all in Africa.
“We need to find innovative ways to utilise the already existing African assets at our disposal to address the impact of climate change, food insecurity and waterborne diseases, amongst others,” he said.
The Deputy Minister underscored an urgent need for African governments to prioritise infrastructure investment, given the current deficit on water and sanitation projects in several countries, which often exacerbate the adequate management of diseases.
“We also need to strengthen our partnerships with the private sector. In South Africa, for instance, we are beginning to see the mining sector coming on board and are investing more in infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister said.
In South Africa, the Department of Water and Sanitation has established a Water Partnership Office with the assistance of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) that is aimed at facilitating partnerships and manage joint accounts for specific funding for projects implemented through collaboration.
The World Water Week conference, taking place from 25-29 August 2024 is being held under the theme: “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future”. – SAnews.gov.za
