New York: Angola on Monday presented at the UN in New York the strategy to combat the effects of drought in the southern part of the country, which will benefit an estimated population of 3.5 million inhabitants.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Angola's permanent representative to the United Nations, Francisco Jos© da Cruz, outlined the strategy during a preparatory session for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference. The strategy aims to develop infrastructure to supply water to the areas and populations most affected by severe droughts.
As part of these efforts, the diplomat highlighted the Cafu Canal project, which involves capturing and transferring water from the Cunene River to several towns through a 160 km long pipeline. This initiative is currently benefiting 235,000 inhabitants and irrigating 5,000 hectares of agricultural fields.
He pointed out that rapid urbanization, desertification, and climate change have exacerbated the strain on national water resources, particularly impacting the provinces of Cunene, Namibe, Cuando, and Cubango, affecting more than 2.3 million people.
To address these challenges, da Cruz emphasized the importance of international partnerships that have facilitated progress in the sustainable management of water resources. This is being achieved through measures such as expanding water access programs in rural areas.
He identified four key areas to accelerate water conservation and sustainable use: increasing concessional financing and Official Development Assistance (ODA) for water projects, supporting technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives, strengthening cross-border cooperation on water resources, and encouraging private sector involvement in water infrastructure projects.
The ambassador expressed that improving access to water will spur economic growth, enhance food security, and reduce the burden of disease, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive development.
He confirmed Angola's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, aligning its water management strategies with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the International Decade of Action 'Water for Sustainable Development' (2018-2028).
The United Nations Water Conference is scheduled to occur from 2 to 4 December 2026 in the United Arab Emirates. Co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, the event aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: 'Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all'.