By Chioma Obinna
The Executive Director of the AAEA, Mr. Sylvain Usher, has said that the 22nd AAEA International Congress and Exhibition billed to be held in Guinea Conakry will be a platform for solutions and actions even as no fewer than 2000 participants expected at the event with Guinea Prime Minister, Dr Bernard Goumou, chairing the launch.
The Pan-African Association also announced that the event will be held from 18th to 22nd February 2024 with the theme: “Supporting human development through investments in the water and sanitation sector”
The Executive Director of the AAEA explained that the launching ceremony is aimed to inform national and international opinion, reassuring all stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector, that the 22nd Congress of the AAAE will take place in Guinea Conakry.
Referring to the challenges of access to water and sanitation services on the continent, he said: “It is our duty, as an Association and son of Africa, to ensure that each of our fellow citizens has access to clean and safe water, as well as adequate sanitation facilities. Therefore, this congress will not only be a forum for discussion, it will be a platform for solutions and actions.”
For Camara Aboubacar, Director General of the Guinea Water Company, the theme of the launch is a call to action. “It reminds us that we have a collective responsibility to make a difference, create opportunities, and open doors for future generations.
He said the AAEA Congress is an opportunity to come together with a common goal, and share knowledge, experiences and ideas, in the hope of finding innovative and sustainable solutions that would have a positive impact on communities.
Speaking, Guinean Minister of Energy, Hydraulics and Hydrocarbons, Mr. Aly Seydouba Soumah, said that the transitional authorities in Guinea have made access to drinking water and sanitation a national priority.
“We believe that the organisation of the 22nd Congress of the AAEA in Guinea will further expand the framework conducive to the mobilisation of technical and financial resources and expertise necessary to strengthen water and sanitation infrastructure, for the happiness of our populations.”
The Prime Minister of Guinea, Dr. Bernard Goumou said the problem of access to drinking water and sanitation should be a priority within the policies of African governments so that sustainable solutions are found for the populations.
Speaking about his country Guinea, he acknowledged that despite being described as the water tower of West Africa, due to its enormous water potential, the country struggles to take advantage of its resources.
He expressed hope that the 22nd Congress would be historic for his country, Africa and the world, by its political impact on water and sanitation management.
“The stability of our societies in Africa, the health security of our populations, and the preservation of the environment, we must leave as a legacy to our children.”
It should be noted that the launching ceremony of the 22nd International Congress ended with the official inauguration of the Congress logo.
Source: Vanguard