Speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, the Congolese leader advocated for an integrated public policy approach to address challenges related to water, sanitation, and infrastructure.

President Tshisekedi identified five key priorities: integrating public policies; strengthening governance through more effective institutions, greater accountability, and transparent management of water infrastructure; developing technically sound and financially viable projects to attract increased investment; and ensuring sustainable financing for water infrastructure.

« Our policies must be designed at the scale of river basins, territories, cities, and economic systems, » President Tshisekedi said, urging African nations to stop treating water, agriculture, energy, health, urban planning, environmental protection, and infrastructure as separate policy areas.

The Congolese President also called for greater mobilization of public and private financing, alongside support from international partners, to bridge the investment gap in Africa’s water sector.

He further described water as a key driver of the continent’s industrialization, advocating for the development of an African manufacturing industry capable of producing pipes, pumps, water meters, water treatment equipment, irrigation systems, and digital solutions tailored to local needs.

National Targets by 2035
Highlighting the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s vast water resources, President Tshisekedi unveiled several national objectives to be achieved by 2035.

The Congolese government aims to increase access to safe drinking water to 60%, raise access to sanitation and hygiene services to 50%, and ensure that 80% of schools and healthcare facilities are equipped with adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.

Chad Calls for Africa to Take Control of Its Water Future
The African Water Forum was officially opened by Chadian President Marshal Idriss Déby Itno, who urged African nations to make the gathering a turning point in the management of the continent’s water resources.

According to President Déby, the forum should represent « the momentum of an Africa that takes control of its water destiny, unlocks its potential by turning constraints into opportunities, and builds, step by step, a future of resilience and shared prosperity. »

The forum has brought together African heads of state, technical and financial partners, and experts to strengthen continental cooperation on water management, sanitation, climate change, and sustainable development.

Mike Pakoto | TOP243NEWS

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