Building a Resilient Future for Water Management in Southern Africa

Remarks by Mr. James Chifwelu, World Vision Lesotho National Director at the 25th WaterNet Symposium: 

 Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, and Friends, 

It’s a pleasure to join you today, and a heartfelt thank you to all who have come together to make this 25th WaterNet Symposium a success. I want to extend my gratitude to the organizers, participants, and partners who have brought this important event to life. Welcome to the Mountain Kingdom. 

As many of you know, Lesotho is affectionately called the "Water Tower" of Southern Africa, a title that reflects both our unique geography and our responsibility to safeguard one of the region's most precious resources. However, we are not immune to the escalating impacts of climate change. Irregular rainfall, more frequent droughts, and extreme weather events are not only challenging our water supply but also affecting agriculture, energy, and public health in Lesotho. Water scarcity is a growing threat, and we are all here because we recognize the urgency of this issue. 

In this context, innovation and Integrated Water Resource Management. Sustainable solutions will only be possible through creative thinking, informed policy, and collaborative action. By embracing these, we can better manage our water resources to support the needs of our communities today and tomorrow. 

This symposium offers a vital opportunity for Lesotho and all countries represented in here today to exchange ideas and expertise. By learning from one another and sharing best practices, we can work toward region-wide solutions that benefit everyone. True sustainability in water management requires a collective approach, and I am thrilled to see such commitment here in this room. 

As practitioners, World Vision International engages on this subject regarding the future of water management with full acknowledgement of children and youth who will inherit the outcomes of our work. We say so because these are not only the future custodians of our water resources but are already making strides as active participants in conservation and climate resilience efforts. We are making efforts at community level to empower and inspire children and youth to take up the mantle of leadership in integrated water resource management. 

Finally, it is my privilege to introduce Dr. Fungai Makoni, our Senior Director of Global WASH Operations for WVI. Dr. Makoni brings with him a wealth of experience both as a researcher and practitioner with a profound commitment to sustainable water and sanitation solutions, and we are honored to have him with us today. 

Thank you once again to everyone here. Together, let’s continue to push forward toward sustainable water management for Lesotho and beyond. 

Khotso. Pula. Nala