SPEECH BY THE HON. MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SADC WATER WEEK IN SWAZILAND.
VENUE:
HAPPY VALLEY HOTEL - EZULWINI.
DATE:
28TH MAY, 2015.
Programme Director,
Honourable Members of Ministry’s Portfolio Committee from both Houses of Parliament,
Principal Secretaries,
SADC Representatives,
Representatives of the Global Water Partnership – Southern Africa,
Representatives of WaterAid,
Program Officer - European Union,
Chief Executive Officers and Captains of different Industries
Members of the National Water Authority,
Members of the River Basin Authorities,
Senior Government Officials,
Representatives of the Youth,
Members of the media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.
It is my singular honour and privilege to stand before you to deliver these remarks on behalf of the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland and on my own behalf.
Allow me at the outset to recognize and appreciate your presence in this gathering as you have taken time out of your hectic schedule to grace this occasion. This no doubt, indicates the importance you place on the proper management and development of the country’s water resources. Let me assure you that His Majesty’s Government subscribes to the ideals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), its developmental agenda and the quest to uplift the quality of lives and dignity of its people through the provision of good quality water in sufficient quantities.
Allow me to also pay my special tribute to our guests from the SADC Water Division and the Global Water Partnership - Southern Africa (GWP – SA) for coming to support our efforts in trying to deal with the critical issues of water resources management and development for the betterment of the lives of the Swazi people.
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I have been informed that the SADC Water Week is an initiative which was last held in the year 2000. It gave rise to the development of important Regional documents like the SADC Vision for Water, Life and the Environment and the subsequent related documents like the Regional Strategic Action Programmes I, II and II. As a SADC Member State we appreciate the importance of this platform wherein the SADC Water Division interacts with the different countries on areas of interest for inclusion in the Regional Water Program. It also presents an opportunity for national stakeholders to be appraised on the regional programs and the benefits accrued thereof.
I have also been advised that the theme for the Water Week is “From Vision to Action” and my special appeal is that as we move from Vision to Action we take note of the multiple roles played by water in driving national economies. The SADC region is also faced with the challenge to increase efficiency in the use of the water resources and to provide greater policy coherence to support the growing economies through infrastructure development, while considering the trade-offs between social equity, environmental integrity and economic development. Therefore, conventional policy and decision-making in ‘silos’ needs to give way to an approach that builds synergies across sectors.
The recently introduced nexus approach provides an opportunity to help the SADC region to apply the Integrated Water Resources Management concept as well as integration and cooperation in the management of water resources for its various uses and demands; particularly for energy and food security.
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen
The noble initiative to involve the youth and the media on issues of water resources management is greatly appreciated. This is but the only way we can ensure that our water resources is protected and is available even for future generations as the youth is our investment for the future. I believe your deliberations of the two days will take cognizance of the resolutions emanating from the youth meeting which was held yesterday at this very same place. It is my sincere hope that the newly established Swaziland Youth Forum on Environment, Water and Sanitation will also take leaf from this gathering in advancing their future agenda.
Swaziland sits in shared River Basins with South Africa and Mozambique, therefore proper water resources management is key to the fulfillment of His Majesty’s Government priorities to provide clean water for all by the year 2022. This is clearly articulated in the National Development Strategy (NDS). It should also be noted that the country is a signatory to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), wherein goal number 7 strives to halve the population without access to potable water and basic sanitation by the current year, 2015. As we move forward, these aspirations can only be achieved if national water resources are managed in an effective and efficient manner.
May I at this point recognize the important role played by the SADC Water Division in providing guidance on issues related to adherence to the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses to which Swaziland also subscribes. The provisions of this document are important in the management and utilization of water resources in our shared basins. As a region with scarce water resources shared amongst different States, the Protocol has ensured that water is used as an instrument for peace.
Your able coordination of the basket funding by the different International Cooperating Partners where Swaziland has also been a beneficiary, is highly appreciated. Currently our country enjoys support from the German, UK and Australian governments in undertaking the Lomahasha/Namaacha potable water supply feasibility study, a project which will bring better lives to the people in these areas.
We also value your support in initiatives like the annual Water Resources Technical Committee meetings, the annual Regional Dialogues and the biannual Ministers of Water meetings which are used as a platform where Member States share ideas on how to better manage the diminishing water resources.
It is my wish that the SADC Water Weeks could be an annual event just like the World Water Days which are celebrated annually to give recognition to the important role water plays in the wellbeing of mankind. I have been advised that your deliberations of the two days will cover a wide range of national water resources management issues, in an attempt to influence their inclusion in the regional water program. I believe your deliberations in the two days will result in important national issues worth including in the fourth Regional Strategic Action Program.
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen
As I seek to conclude my remarks, let me take this opportunity to thank those that have made this event the success that it is, starting with the Local Organising Committee, the SADC Water Division and the Global Water Partnership - Southern Africa who is our implementing partner in the SADC Water Weeks. I would also like to thank our International Cooperating Partners who have given the financial assistance needed to carry out such an initiative.
With these few remarks, it is my honour and pleasure to declare the Swaziland SADC Water Week officially opened. I wish you fruitful deliberations in the course of the two days.
THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.