Editorial

THE CALL FROM THE AFWA PRESIDENT

The African Water Association invites you to its 15th Congress
to be held in March 2010, from 15th to 18th in Kampala, the capital
city of Uganda. This great meeting themed « What perspectives for energy stakes and Climatic change ? »
meets all the requirements to promote brainstorming and exchange of experiences on issues relating
to drinking water and sanitation in Africa at a time when new challenges require new approaches.
All stakeholders engaged in the only worthwhile crusade, that of providing basic services related to water
and sanitation to as many Africans should face sizeable constraints in connection with the cost of energy.
In recent years, the largest expenditure item of drinking water and sanitation public utilities has been
experiencing a steady increase thereby endangering seriously the efficient operation of farms and
the ability to meet adequately the needs of local populations being served.
Energy management requires a new mindset and more economical practices. The most relevant experiences
can be shared in Kampala where the African Water Association will be provided an opportunity to address
the issue of climate change, another global challenge. It is obvious that the changes related to global
warming will affect water resources in Africa. Therefore, there is a need to take into consideration the
implications of this phenomenon created by human activities on earth as part of all policies aimed at
developing the sectors of drinking water and sanitation.
The Congress of Kampala will also be a milestone on the way to 2015. After Algiers in 2006 and Cotonou
in 2008, we will indeed analyze data on the Millennium Goals for Development and identify ways and means
not to miss our ultimate target. We call on all those who are concerned about drinking water and sanitation
issues in Africa (decision makers, operators, donors, researchers, NGOs etc.) to strengthen the foundations
of this partnership which is key to performance.
The forthcoming International Exhibition particularly significant in terms of turnout and diversity will also
showcase state-of-the-art technologies relating to water and sanitation while facilitating contacts among
partners. Welcome to the Kampala event on the shores of Lake Victoria, where Uganda will host the great
African Water Family and its partners for fruitful exchanges of views that will enable us to be better equipped
towards further progress and contribute to a more resolute fight against poverty on the continent.