Water utility chair leads African water body
Local water utility's chairperson makes a big splash at the African Water Association congress
LOCAL water utility Mhlathuze Water’s Board Chairperson Dudu Myeni was recently reappointed as the leading light navigating the African Water Association (AfWA).
AfWA has more than 100 members from 40 countries across Africa who gather annually discuss challenges utilities face in supplying the continent with adequate water and sanitation services.
Myeni was named president of the association for the second time at the 17th AfWA congress held between 17 to 20 February in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Accepting her renewed role, Myeni highlighted the plight experienced by many African people who depend on the AfWA for crucial facilities.
‘I urge every role-player to intensify international partnerships and to focus on accelerating the Millennium Development Goals (MDG),’ said Myeni.
She further stated the importance of involving more African women as the main providers of household water supply and sanitation in their households, in the planning and management of clean water.
‘The lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities affects women and girls most acutely.
‘There is also evidence to show that water and sanitation services are generally more effective if women take an active role in the various stages involved in setting them up; from design to planning; through to the ongoing operations and maintenance procedures required to make any initiatives sustainable,’ Myeni said.
Umhlathuze Water Acting CEO Sibusiso Makhanya said he hoped Mhlathuze Water will be able to provide the technical support by partnering with some of the water utilities in Africa and congratulated Myeni on her reappointment in leading the AfWA.
