By Chinenye Anuforo
In honour of World Water Day 2024, Rector Cares Foundation, an NGO providing clean water access to underserved communities in Nigeria through solar power, has advocated for sustainable water solutions through a webinar that featured global water and technology experts.
The discussion, titled “Innovation for Water Security and Africa’s Water Challenges,” addressed the theme of World Water Day 2024, “Leveraging Water for Peace.”
Onyedikachi Erete, founder of Rector Cares Foundation, emphasized the importance of technology and collaboration in achieving sustainable water solutions across Africa. He highlighted the challenges faced by communities, including lack of integration, insufficient funding, and limited support.
“Technology plays a crucial role in tackling water scarcity,” Erete said. “Implementing solar-powered boreholes and deploying water purification technologies can provide reliable access to clean water.”
The webinar featured prominent figures like Ernest Nwachukwu, Senior Key Accounts Manager at GRUNDFOS, and Judith Okoli, Sustainability Manager at UNICEF Headquarters, New York.
Okoli stressed the need for a comprehensive approach and collaboration to boost economic growth. “We need effective policies and proper funding to support social initiatives like water access,” she said.
“While infrastructure development thrives in city centres, environmental projects must also be prioritized.”
Nwachukwu, representing GRUNDFOS, emphasized leadership, behavioural change, and stricter regulations for project contractors as key factors in water management and conservation efforts across Nigeria.
The webinar aimed to raise awareness about the challenges of water access in Africa and explore potential solutions through technological advancements and collaborative efforts.