WASHen conference preps at advanced stage

Business
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair company says preparations for the second edition of the water, sanitation, hygiene and energy conference, WASHen 2015, are progressing well.

THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair company says preparations for the second edition of the water, sanitation, hygiene and energy conference, WASHen 2015, are progressing well.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

The conference is scheduled for September 24 to 25 and would be supported by an exhibition of relevant products and services, ZITF general manager, Nomathemba Ndlovu said

“The event will build on the success of last year’s inaugural edition by bringing together a mix of stakeholders in the pertinent sectors to deliberate on “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development,” Ndlovu said.

Nomathemba Ndlovu-ZITF

Ndlovu said bookings have to date been received from local authorities, non-governmental organisations, suppliers of hygiene products, water treatment filters and chemicals, water tanks and packaging, water engineering and equipment and wastewater treatment and disposal. It has also received bookings from pump manufacturers, environmental management advocacy organisations, designers of environmentally friendly technologies, water resource management bodies, rural development projects, power and water projects, and distributors of solar equipment.

“Additional bookings are expected from producers of irrigation equipment, submersible piping systems, sanitation products, energy products as well as other related products and services,” she said.

“Confirmed delegates include representatives from non-governmental organisations, business and civic leaders, policy makers and other interested stakeholders who will discuss and debate issues in these sectors, with a view to drawing up actionable resolutions to achieve the national agenda for socio-economic development.”

Ndlovu said discussions would centre on information and communication technology and private-public partnerships, as they relate to the provision of adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in the country.

She said that the two conference focus areas have been specifically chosen because of their relevance to the sector development agenda through the use of ICTs, available data on WASH services and evidence on the impact of WASH projects can be improved.

“These technologies are becoming more integrated into the day-to-day operations of development organisations and local authorities,” Ndlovu said.

“ICTs will continue to provide unique and innovative ways to improve efforts towards bringing clean water and safe sanitation to the country”.

She said through collaborations on elements such as social infrastructure, capacity building and behavioural change, stakeholders can share knowledge and achieve best practice.

The conference is organised in partnership with SNV Zimbabwe and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate and the WASH Sector National Coordination Unit and will provide a conducive platform for contributions of knowledge and evidence among key stakeholders in the sector (policy makers, community members, implementing partners and local authorities), Ndlovu said.

Environment, Water and Climate minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri will deliver the keynote address on, “WASH Sector Development for Successful Implementation of ZimAsset” while the permanent secretary in the same ministry, Prince Mupazviriho will give an overview of the Zimbabwe WASH sector.

Organisations supplying water, sanitation, hygiene and energy products and services or running relevant projects will have an opportunity to showcase their activities and wares to delegates at the WASHen 2015 supporting expo.

Muchinguri-Kashiri will officially open WASHen on September 24.