Africa Major Player at World Water Forum

16 March 2012

Voice of America - March 16, 2012

African ministers say water is vital to improving health and economic development on the continent. Africa placed high on the agenda at the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille, France (3/12-17).

Bai-Mas Taal is the executive secretary of the African Ministers’ Council on Water, also known as AMCOW. He said African nations are committed to clean water and sanitation.

“We are putting up the economic case – investment in water – how it helps in the development of a nation. That water is the driving force for economic development,” he said.

Taal said there was a time when African governments were hesitant about investing in water and sanitation. They didn’t see what the return on investment would be. That’s changed.

“The heads of state have committed themselves to building the infrastructure of Africa -- to move the economic growth rate of Africa from 4 to 6 percent to 12 percent by 2040. To do that, they have developed an infrastructure program for the development of Africa,” he said.

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Category: Water

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