DAKAR (Water Resources Ministry Report) – Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Reng Ochekpe has handed over the leadership of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) to the Republic of Senegal following the successful completion of her tenure as interim President from August 2013 to 31st May 2014.
In her valedictory statement during the 9th General Assembly Meeting of AMCOW recently in Dakar – Senegal, the Minister of Water Resources, who is the out-going President of the body said that AMCOW had provided the needed political leadership, policy direction and advocacy in the provision and management of water resources for sustainable economic development as well as enhanced cooperation, social security and economic development and poverty eradication among the member countries.
“I am delighted to say that today through sheer resolve, determination and dedication of our member states and active support of our partners, AMCOW had continued to bring added value to regional cooperation in trans-boundary water management,” he said.
While speaking on challenges, the Minister noted that despite the various achievements recorded so far, AMCOW still faces challenges on how to deploy water supply infrastructure services in such a way as to meet the growing demand for safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.
She further called on the Government of Senegal to support the new AMCOW President, informing Pape Diouf that as the baton of AMCOW leadership has turned to Senegal, his interest in the meeting would surely be supported by the Government of Senegal towards lifting AMCOW to greater heights in the next two years.
In his remarks, the new AMCOW President, Pape Diouf, who is the Minister of Water and Sanitation of Senegal thanked the Minister of Water Resources of Nigeria for the commitment and determination which led to the implementation of the AMCOW work plan. He assured the member countries that his leadership would improve the attainment of the MDGs and post-MDG development agenda on water and sanitation.
Speaking earlier, the AMCOW Secretary – General, Bai Mass Taal thanked the out-going President for her support and determination towards sustaining AMCOW as a critical platform for championing the advocacy for regional cooperation on efficient management of the continent’s water resources.
“We must therefore focus serious attention not only on the provision of safe drinking water and improving sanitation; but also efficient and effective management of our water resources to ensure food and energy security, the management of waste water and recycling under quality conditions, in order to improve on the availability of more water for domestic, industrial and agriculture uses,” he informed.
Also in her statement, the Commissioner in the Department for Rural Agriculture of the African Union Commission (AUC), Tumusiime Rhoda Peace pledged her commitment to work with African Ministers on water and sanitation. She added that the Commission of the African Union and specifically the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture has been committed to working closely with AMCOW on issues of water and sanitation across the continent. She noted that the Commission is looking forward to continued support and guidance.
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