Despite high water availability in Jamaica, uneven distribution in both time and space creates local scarcity. Hence, it is problematic to distribute water adequately to all sectors, and to develop abstraction points for water treatment. To address the issues, action was taken and a Water Sector Reform was proposed, including a Water Sector Strategy and Action Plan. From this experience, the lesson learned is the importance of coordinating activities and harmonising policies, legislation and institutions.
GWP SA, on behalf of SADC is currently making preparations for the forthcoming SADC Water Weeks which have been slated from April – October 2014. The SADC Water Weeks are aimed at ensuring that the Regional Water Programme is well understood and embraced by stakeholders from various sectors at the national level. The SADC Water Weeks were last held in the year 2000 and led to the development of the SADC Water Vision for Water, Life and the Environment
The Kumbo water supply system has always had contested ownership claims. After decades of protest, action was taken and management was transferred to Kumbo Urban Council, resulting in the establishment of an inclusive and participatory community water governance structure. From this, the lesson can be learnt that the command and control paradigm can provoke social and political instability. The case also demonstrates how community based platforms can enhance community mobilisation and participatory governance.
Two weeks later the Roundtable "National Consultations on water in the post-2015 development agenda" organized by CWP-Georgia, some participants were interviewed by the journalist of the newspaper "Komsomolskaya Pravda v Gruzii" (The Truth of Young Communist League in Georgia).
The one day stakeholder consultation on water was held at the Hotel VIP in Maputo, Mozambique on 15th April 2013. The meeting was attended by 23 stakeholders from key government water ministries, departments, authorities, the private sector (WASH), academia, and international organisations.
Due to substantial population growth putting increased pressure on the water resources, their quality has started to deteriorate. This is perceived as a serious issue since water is inseparably linked with the socio, economical and cultural aspects of livelihoods. Action was taken through an integrated lake conservation programme, aiming to improve water quality. The most important lesson learnt is that awareness raising, education and stakeholder participation are essential.
Here's a closer look at the winner and Honourable Mention awardees in the 2013 Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) Media Awards on Water.