Water clubs to be formed in schools

Publish Date: Dec 13, 2011

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  Minister Bigombe says provision of water is a collective responsibility.

  By Brenda Asiimwe

  Young professionals working in the water sector within East African countries have launched a campaign to encourage students to pursue academic programmes that will secure them jobs in the water sector.

  The professionals under their association called the East Africa Youth Water Professionals (EAYWP), want to establish water clubs in schools to groom students who are interested in water projects.

  Speaking at a conference on Monday at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NW&SC) offices in Bugolobi, the president of the EAYWP Betty Aliba said that everyone has a role to play in the water sector.

  The two day conference which was sponsored by NWSC, International Water Association (IWA), Africa Water Association (AWA) and German Agency for International Development (GIZ) attracted water professional from over 14 countries.

  The countries represented include; Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Cote d’lvoire, German, France, and South Sudan.

  “This year we have been focusing on planting trees to counteract the climatic changes which are affecting people’s economic activities. We have so far planted trees in Ggaba and Entebbe.” She added.

  She also said that they are carrying out sensitizations so that people can appreciate that water is a basic necessity for development and preserve the wetlands and water bodies.

  The state minister for water Betty Bigombe commended the youth for recognizing that provision water is a collective responsibility and not entirely for government.

  “Having the youth at the forefront of this campaign portrays a good example for the entire nation because they are the leaders of tomorrow, she said.

  “Water is a universal basic utility because all economic activities depend on it to run effectively. This makes it every one’s duty to take interest in water and preserve it.” Bigombe said.

  She noted that with the unstable climate today, there aren’t enough boreholes and springs dry up in hot seasons that families move long distances to get water. Bigombe urged the youth to take the campaigns in rural areas where the water problems are more severe.

  She also advised the youth to have skills in different fields so that they don’t become jobless if the white-collar jobs are not available.

  Walter Kling the vice president of the IWA said that if the profession attracts many people, water will be availed to all those who need it but cannot access it.