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Mr. Chairman, It gives me an honour and a great pleasure to be with you on this closing day of the Pan African Conference on Partnership and Implementation on Water and the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW). Please allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to all those who have dedicated their time and skills in making this important conference a success. Africa as it is widely known is endowed with immense natural resources among which water is the most important resource in its economic development and the achievement of sustained food production. However the continent suffers from recurrent drought, disease, population growth and environmental degradation. Many brothers and sisters suffer from lack of even the basic services of adequate and safe water supply and sanitation services. There is thus a great challenge ahead of Africa seeking deadly and urgent intervention. Commitment and cooperation by African nations coupled with the support of the international community have proven to be the prime solutions to overcome the challenges that we are faced today in harnessing our water resources thereby turning risks into opportunities. Mr. Chairman, The aim of this conference was among others, how to expedite the efforts put in place in ensuring the implementation of the millennium development goals and the targets of the world summit on sustainable development. It highlighted means and strategies of meeting these noble goals. A great number government delegates, representatives of the international communities and scholars have shared with us their valuable experiences. We are all thankful to them. Important recommendations and resolutions were made out of nine thematic sessions the titles of which were carefully chosen after a thorough scrutiny of related areas. The African Ministerial Council on Water conducted a two days meeting where also important resolutions were made in strengthening the cooperation between countries and also the preparation of important programme and projects. The launching of several initiatives like the EU-Africa and others will no doubt assist us and discharging and executing the tasks ahead of Africa. It is therefore our sincere hope that the outcomes of this Pan-African Conference on Water will result in a firm commitment by African leaders to promptly embark on the preparation of national and regional plans with a view of meeting the target of the millennium development goals. As millions of our fellow Africans are desperately waiting for support, we should all bear in mind that the time to act is now. Finally, I would like to extend my warm appreciation and thanks to the organizers of this important conference. For those of you who have come a long journey, I would like to wish you a safe trip back to your home countries. Thank you and god bless you all! |
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