Solomon Islands supports World Water Council for Water and Sanitation to be Political Priorities.

By Eliza Kukutu

Solomon Islands has joined the World Water Council in supporting the notion that proper water and sanitation must be political priorities.

The 10^th World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia concluded today after two-days of dialogue on the importance of providing policy makers with solutions, innovations, and joint actions to improve the management of water.

Delivering his remarks at the forum, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Dr. Christopher Vehe highlighted that the government through its experiences believes that achieving shared prosperity through water involves ensuring equitable access to clean and sufficient water resources, promoting sustainable water management practices, and fostering international cooperation.

With discussions focused on political processes, Dr. Vehe said the country supports the World Water Council and its views on addressing water and sanitation challenges.

“The government of Solomon Islands agrees and is in support of the council that after these two days of dialogue, parties, and participants, both in the public and private sector must or need to; Acknowledge that water and sanitation are political priorities in international, national, and local levels. “

“And so, the call from the government of Solomon Islands is that our parliamentarians must be fore fronting and be warriors in making sure that we achieve our global target. Therefore, our political masters must be at the forefront actioning solution driven actions to resolve our water challenges,” he stated.

He also stressed the need to strategically align innovation, governance, and finance to bring water to those who are in desperate need of it.

Dr. Vehe then outlined some of the strategies that the government believes should be adopted to achieve the goals of clean water and sanitation.

“The Solomon Islands Government, based on its experiences believe that by adopting the following strategies, World Water Forum can realize the goal that one, there has to be a universal access to clean water and sanitation, Sustainable Water Management practices has to be in place, Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Protection where one must be front runner in all discussions, Enhancing International Corporation through Trans water management and Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements, and  lastly there has to be support in water dependent industries and encourage the development of industries that rely on water resources such as agriculture and fisheries, while ensuring sustainable practices,” Dr. Vehe explained.

The World Water Forum is the largest international gathering in the water sector and is held every three years.

This year’s theme is “Water for shared Prosperity”.

ENDS//