STATEMENT
BY
Alhaji Mukhtari Shehu Shagari
Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Nigeria
(Chairman, African Ministers Council on Water)
AT
HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 12TH SESSION
OF THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
NEW YORK, APRIL 29 2004
1
Mr. Chairman,
Water problems in Africa are acute and complex . Water bodies and courses are
diminishing across the continent. Lake Chad basin for instance, has shrunk from 26,000
sq. kms to less than 3,000 sq . kms affecting over 20 million people, livestock and the
environment.
Over three hundred million people are without access to safe drinking water and
adequate sanitation . Yet, water holds the key to achieving the goals of reducing poverty
and hunger by 50 percent by 2015 . The provision of water as a basic need is a social
responsibility no government can ignore, but it has its economic costs . How do we
ensure access, quantity, quality and efficiency?
In recognition of these challenges, African Heads of State and Governments,
decided at the first extra-ordinary Summit of the African Union held two months ago in
Libya, agreed that Members Countries should prioritize water supply and sanitation and
Integrated Water Resources Management issues in their national development strategies .
The Summit further considered favorably, the issue of trans-boundary water transfer to
mitigate uneven water distribution and shortages in Africa .
In addition, the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCON) has taken
concrete steps to urgently strengthen water governance with focus on implementation,
institutional reforms and mobilization of resources at local and national levels. We have
also endorsed a portfolio of key water action plans from each of our five sub-regions to
support the objectives of the New Partnership for African Development .
Acting with our development partners, we have launched a number of strategic
initiatives, which include :
?
Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership on Water and Sanitation;
?
The African Water Facility for medium term projects on water and sanitation ;
?
The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative for Africa supported by the
ADB;
The Water for African Cities (Phase 11) in partnership with UN-HABITAT
?
The G-8 Action Plan on Water for Africa ; and
?
Launching of an African Journal to disseminate information and sharing of
experiences .
Mr. Chairman,
Our goal is to provide water for consumption, agriculture and other uses . African
governments cannot afford to treat water in the strict category of either an economic or
social good given the central role water plays in sustaining life . We agree with the
maxim that says, "Water is life". However, it is obvious that African countries cannot go
it alone in achieving their goals and targets on water, sanitation and human settlements .
In view of this, I would like to renew the call for the international community,
especially our development partners, to continue to support our sustainable development
efforts.
On our part we will re-double our efforts and take every step necessary, in
partnership with all stakeholders to ensure the achievement of our development goals and
targets . However, it is pertinent to stress that Africa's problems should be addressed in
tandem with the continent's external debt crisis .
Finally, I would like to remind us all, that the CSD remains the only high-level
commission on sustainable development within the United Nations system and our
discussions must respect both the inter-governmental nature and the programme of work
of the CSD. Its integrity and relevance should be preserved .
I thank you.
