The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) today opened its inaugural Partnerships for Water Security Conference, with Governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka, the bloc’s Vice Chairperson, delivering a powerful keynote address on the urgent need for sustainable water management across the region.
In his opening speech, Governor Lusaka emphasized LREB’s mission to foster a water-secure environment that will benefit the 17 million residents of the bloc. He outlined the critical challenges the region faces, particularly in ensuring equitable access to water. According to Lusaka, only 53% of the population currently has access to reliable water services, with rural areas being significantly underserved.
Lusaka called for strengthened collaboration between counties, stressing the importance of jointly managing shared water resources to address these gaps. He also proposed innovative financing mechanisms, such as county bonds and public-private partnerships, as vital tools for boosting investment in water infrastructure.
The Governor further acknowledged the support of USAID, which has played a key role in advancing the region’s water security agenda. He urged stakeholders to build upon the wealth of existing research networks to create and implement sustainable solutions for water access and conservation.
In his remarks, Lusaka reaffirmed the LREB’s commitment to water security, describing it as an essential pillar for environmental stewardship and regional prosperity.
The conference, which runs through November 7, is bringing together governors, water sector partners, and local leaders from across the region to strategize on enhancing water service delivery, improving conservation efforts, and developing collaborative approaches to addressing the region’s water challenges.
As the conference progresses, LREB continues to lead efforts aimed at securing a sustainable water future for the Lake Region, ensuring that future generations have access to this vital resource.
