10TH WORLD WATER FORUM, INDONESIA 2024: Amb Amaka Nweke Delivers Powerful Address on Revolutionary Approach to Water Rights and Management

 

At the prestigious 10th World Water Forum, currently being held in Bali, Indonesia, Amb Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP of Enugu State, Nigeria, delivered a powerful address emphasizing a revolutionary approach to water rights and management. Representing the Network of Water Rights Initiative and supported by the Enugu State Government, Nweke outlined a transformative strategy aimed at eradicating water scarcity in Enugu.

The forum, themed "Water for Shared Prosperity," commenced on May 18, 2024, bringing together global leaders and experts to discuss sustainable water management practices. Speaking at the session T4CC1 Today, 22nd of May 2024, titled "HEARING THE UNHEARD:  Water Justice for Humans and Nature," Nweke highlighted the profound progress Enugu State has made through a human rights and responsibility-based approach to water access.

Key Highlights from Amb Nweke's Speech:

1. Historical Context and Progress:

Nweke recounted the severe water scarcity that plagued Enugu State for over three decades. She proudly announced the success of the "claim your water rights" campaign, which has shifted Enugu from a state of persistent water scarcity to one where residents can assert their right to clean water.

2. Government and Community Collaboration:

Nweke emphasized the collaborative efforts of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration in tackling water scarcity. By partnering with civil society organizations and engaging with marginalized communities, the government has made significant strides. She quoted Governor Mbah, who acknowledged the role of these organizations as "watchdogs" ensuring government accountability.

3. Infrastructure and Technological Innovation:

Significant investments in water infrastructure, including water treatment plants, pipelines, and storage facilities, have been pivotal. Nweke highlighted the increase in water generation capacity from 2 million cubic liters per day to 120 million cubic liters per day, thanks to the 9th Mile and Ajali rehabilitation projects.

4. Community Engagement and Legislative Advances:

The Network of Water Rights Initiative has been instrumental in assessing water facilities and engaging stakeholders. Regular town hall meetings, collaborations with the Ministry of Water Resources, and advocacy for legislative reforms have been crucial. The passage of the Enugu State Water Bill into law, which establishes the Enugu State Water Regulatory Commission, marks a significant milestone in water governance.

5. Sustainable Practices and Awareness Campaigns:

The government has promoted water conservation practices and groundwater recharge to mitigate scarcity. Public awareness campaigns on responsible water usage are empowering citizens to become proactive stewards of water resources.

Nweke's address underscored the importance of a participatory, bottom-up approach to water management. She called for global support to amplify these efforts, highlighting that Enugu's journey from "coal city to water city" serves as an inspiring example of how innovative strategies can address water challenges.

Amb Mrs. Amaka Nweke’s address at the 10th World Water Forum spotlighted the transformative impact of Enugu State's disruptive innovation in water management. By fostering community participation, investing in infrastructure, and embracing sustainable practices, Enugu is paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future. Her call to action resonated with attendees, emphasizing that the collective effort is crucial to ensuring universal access to clean and safe drinking water.

Nweke expressed deep gratitude to the forum organizers and the Enugu State Government for their support, urging continued collaboration to safeguard water rights for all.

Key Messages:

Empowering citizens through awareness campaigns on water rights and conservation.

Demonstrating the power of collective voices in achieving government accountability.

Highlighting the importance of community engagement and participatory governance.

Ensuring a resilient and sustainable water future through innovative infrastructure and policies.

As the 10th World Water Forum continues, the experiences and strategies shared by Amb Nweke offer valuable insights into the global discourse on water justice and sustainable management practices.

"I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Barr Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, Nigeria for his unwavering support and commitment to ending water scarcity in our region. Governor Mbah's leadership has been instrumental in driving the significant progress we have achieved. His administration's dedication to collaborative governance, infrastructure development, and innovative solutions has transformed Enugu from a state struggling with water scarcity to one that is rapidly becoming a model for water sustainability. The Governor's recognition of civil society organizations as key partners and his openness to being held accountable by the people have set a new standard for responsive and responsible governance"

"I also want to express my deep gratitude to the Network of Water Rights Initiative (NEWARI) for empowering me with the platform to represent Enugu State on this global stage. NEWARI's relentless advocacy and dedication to water rights have been the backbone of our collective efforts. The opportunities to engage with various stakeholders, assess water facilities, and drive legislative changes have been invaluable in our mission. The support and encouragement from the entire NEWARI team have been a source of strength and inspiration, enabling us to make meaningful strides towards ensuring that every citizen in Enugu has access to clean and safe water. Together, we are making a profound impact and laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for our communities" Amb Nweke said.