Poor governance blamed for foreseeable failed attainment of SDG 6

Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony of the 21st African Water and Sanitation Association International Congress and Exhibition in the Ivorian capital Abidjan, Dr. Mugisha advised on an all-inclusive leadership to tap into various managerial skills.

He also noted that selfless and sober governance plays a key role in ensuring clean Water supply, proper Sanitation and management of sewerage systems for the good of the people.

"Thoughts and words may be enticing but it is our actions that hold the real reward. Our actions have the power to change Africa", he emphasized.

Mugisha also advised delegates to inspire others to get up and take Action.

Jennifer Williams, Executive Director of the Faecal Sludge Management Alliance, tasked the delegates to be good ambassadors to their respective countries by championing for prioritization of clean water and sanitation.

"We will not have clean water until we also have safely managed sanitation," she said.

Williams blamed a divide between water and sanitation for the foreseeable failed attainment of SDG agenda number six which touches on everyone's entitlement to clean water and proper sanitation by the year 2030.

The continental conference on water and sanitation is taking place at a time when unpredictable climatic conditions have a grip of African states with either extreme drought or deadly floods.

Kenya is on the receiving end of the wrath of dry conditions leading to dry Wells and dams. The latest dams to run out of water in Kenya, among them Tigoni Dam which supplies water to residents of Kabuku, Ngecha, banana and Limuru, and Bathi Dam which supply Kimende, Kijabe and Lari residents, both dams are located in Kenyan Kiambu county.

The ongoing conference in Abijan, Cote d'Ivoire has brought together experts, engineers, technicians, researchers, and multiple stakeholders from the both public and private sectors to discuss water and sanitation challenges in Africa.