Ministers gather to discuss solutions for the water and energy crisis
Ministers in the Water and Energy Sectors gathered today, 20 June 2016, at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Energy and Water Joint Ministerial Workshop held in Gaborone, Botswana to discuss solutions for the water and energy crisis.
During deliberations practical and sustainable solutions with a view to map out a strategic direction were forged, ideas were exchanged and best practices were shared with the objective of addressing water and energy challenges in the region.
The workshop also took note that the maintenance of infrastructure, poor harnessing of alternative sources of energy and water and slow implementation of priority energy and water projects are part of the challenges that hinder solutions to the energy and water challenges in the region. In addition the issue of limited regional connectivity for power trading and poor access to the climate change funds for adaptation and investment are also challenging.
As part of outcomes the workshop encouraged member states and the Secretariat to ensure that the energy, water and food security sectors plan and work jointly following the nexus approach, avoiding sectoral silos in order to maximise the benefits and accelerate delivery.
The workshop also recommended that innovative funding methodologies be found in order to speed up implementation.
Furthermore, the workshop agreed that member states should invest more in alternative sources of energy and water such as rainwater harvesting, recycling, and desalination depending on the circumstances, whilst promoting conjunctive use of ground water and surface water.
In the conclusion it was noted that in order to have a water and energy secure region, joint investment on strategic water and energy projects is a must.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
