ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called for immediate and coordinated efforts to tackle water and sanitation challenges across the continent.
ECA’s Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, made the appeal during a high-level session on Clean Water and Sanitation at the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, which was monitored virtually.
He emphasised that water should be regarded not only as a basic human necessity but also as vital economic infrastructure.
“Water is life, but it is also economic infrastructure that underpins health, food systems, energy and industrialisation,” he said.
READ ALSO:Plateau Expands Water Infrastructure, Showcases Progress In Water Access
Gatete noted that Africa has made some progress since 2015, with nearly 300 million people gaining access to basic drinking water.
He added that about 190 million people have also gained access to basic sanitation within the same period.
Despite these gains, he said major gaps persist, with only around 40 per cent of Africans having access to safely managed drinking water.
He added that just 30 per cent have access to safely managed sanitation services, while over 200 million people still practised open defecation in 2024.
The ECA chief warned that water insecurity is increasingly becoming a systemic risk, affecting food systems, energy security, and economic growth.
He said inadequate water and sanitation services are placing pressure on health systems and reducing productivity, noting that rapid urbanisation and climate change are further worsening the situation across Africa.
According to him, the continent requires about 64 billion dollars annually to achieve water security and universal sanitation, but current investment levels remain insufficient.
Gatete outlined priority actions, including integrating water into economic planning and strengthening financing frameworks.
He also called for climate-resilient approaches, better data systems, and coordinated large-scale implementation.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation on shared water resources to enhance regional integration and stability.
Gatete reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to supporting member states, noting that the goal is to transform water into a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Also speaking, Mr Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, acknowledged progress in expanding access to water but noted that significant challenges remain in rural areas and informal settlements.
Mr Christopher Mutasa of the African Development Bank (AfDB) called for stronger public-private partnerships to improve water infrastructure.
Other stakeholders emphasised the need for coordinated action to fast-track progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6.
They stressed that water security is crucial to achieving Africa’s broader development goals.
(NAN)