LUSAKA, May.27 (NewsDayLive) - Representatives of several African civil society organizations (CSOs) met in Lusaka, Zambia, on Monday where they agreed to jointly advocate for comprehensive changes in water and sanitation governance systems across the continent.
The declaration, coordinated by the Community Water Alliance, emphasises the fundamental human right to safe water and sanitation, urging African leaders and stakeholders to prioritize these issues in the Africa Water Vision beyond 2025.
The preamble of the declaration highlights the disproportionate burden faced by women and girls, who are primarily responsible for provision of water in most households.
The CSOs stressed that women's involvement in water management leads to more effective and sustainable solutions.
"When women are included in decision-making on water and sanitation and health (WASH) issues, services become more accessible and sustainable," the declaration states.
The declaration outlines six priority areas for action. These are universal rights-based water governance, gender transformative governance, climate-resilient WASH programmes, protected water ecosystems, sustainable WASH financing, and data-driven water security.
The declaration also highlights the importance of strengthening river basin organisations to manage shared water resources effectively. Inclusive governance that involves civil society, local communities, and women is deemed essential for equitable water management.
The CSOs urged the African Union and national governments to adopt these commitments, ensuring that water and sanitation rights are embedded in all national policies.
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They demanded that by 2030, all citizens should have access to safe, affordable water and sanitation, emphasising that no woman or girl should bear the burden of water collection alone.
The declaration affirms the unity of the signed organizations in their mission to place people's rights at the forefront of the Africa Water Vision.
"The future of our continent depends on these commitments," they assert, calling for immediate action from all stakeholders.
The declaration represents a significant step towards transforming water governance in Africa, with the potential to improve the lives of millions and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
