Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, wishes to congratulate the people of France, more so those of the city of Marseille, on their success in winning the bid to host the World Water Forum 2012. South Africa through the city of Durban had also made a bid for the hosting of the same Forum.
“We wish to congratulate France on their successful Bid. I believe that they will be able to host a very successful 2012 event for the benefit of all. As fellow competitors we are not sad that we lost this time. As active participants in the forum I believe we will play a significant role in influencing the global water agenda. We will also ensure that issues of the African continent are sharply brought into focus. Our focus and energy will now move to making the Second African Water Week which we will host in November a great success,” Minister Sonjica said.
South Africa and France had agreed to have a partnership in preparation for the 2012 forum. The council has encouraged the parties to look into enacting the partnership in the spirit of co-operation, but also in recognition of the quality of the bids that both countries put up.
Enquiries contact:
Sputnik Ratau
MLO and Spokesperson for the Minister
Tel: 012 464 1500
Mobile: 082 874 2942
E-mail: sputnikr@gmail.com / rataus@dwaf.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Water and Environmental Affairs
22 June 2009
