Rational Water Use : Here Comes The Magic Wand!

“The Integrated Water Resources Management Toolbox was developed by the Global Water Partnership to help in the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management, IWRM actions,” explained Dr Michelle Nken, the Coordinator of the “Réseau eau et climat des organisations des jeunes de l’Afrique central, RECOJAC. She is also a consultant for Global Water Partnership, GWP.

The Magic Solution
The Integrated Water Resources Management Toolbox, developed by the Global Water Partnership, GWP, was launched in March 2022 in Dakar, Senegal at the World Water Forum. “It seeks to bring together decision-makers and the people for water to be used rationally. The toolbox is important in planning the use of water in general,” Dr Michelle Nken said. 

Sub-regional Workshop
Dr Nken spoke in Yaounde on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at the opening of a two-day workshop on the Integrated Water Resources Management Toolbox. The training from October 18-19, 2022, is holding simultaneously in Yaounde, Cameroon; Ndjamena, Chad; Brazzaville, Congo and in Bangui in the Central African Republic, CAR. With Dr Michelle Nken coordinating. Some 80 young people are participating - 20 each from Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic and Congo Brazzaville.

Young People, Pillars Of IWRM
“We chose young people for the training because they make up the greater portion of the population. Moreover, youth are active in associations, especially those that deal with water resources management,” Michelle noted. Adding, “Young people are interested in issues of water resources management, but their knowledge and skills need to be built further. This is because the Integrated Water Resources Management Toolbox is a solution to several problems. It contains case studies, a specialised library, information on the level of implementation of IWRM across the globe, the contacts of professionals in the domain….,” she disclosed. 

Close Follow-up
“We expect participants to appropriate the Toolbox and implement it in their activities. After the workshop, there will be follow-up of how participants practise the knowledge and skills they acquired by carrying out their own projects using the IWRM Toolbox,” Dr Michelle Nken promised.   

Participants’ Expectations 
“I look forward to understand the Integrated Water Resources Management approach. I will like to acquire knowledge on how to handle everyday water and sanitation challenges by using the IWRM ToolBox,” said one of the participants at the workshop, Sandra Djikiadjie. She is a Water Resources Engineer, and Feasibility Engineer with BEC NGEREX Sarl consultancy in Yaounde.

Experience-sharing, Networking
“After the workshop, I will like to see the creation of a Network of Water and Sanitation. Through which we can share experiences with colleagues in other countries. I hope the workshop will put me in connection with those who can support our work financially,” noted Mrs. Talla’a Christine Flore, a civil engineer specialised in water works. Christine Flore is President of Toilets For All, a member of Professional Women for Water and Sanitation, Septic Tank and Latrine Drainers of Cameroon; and of the African Private Sector Group.

Water, Sanitation Challenges 
“There is no one better placed than a woman to understand the problems of water and sanitation. My battle has been to put an end to open-air defecation by sensitising the public that toilets need to be properly constructed in order not to pollute ground water,” Christine Flore added. “The Coronavirus pandemic laid bare the need for clean water to wash...