Chief Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. Maieane Khaketla, says water scarcity poses a serious challenge to the world.

Mr. Khaketla made this remarks during the official opening of a two day South African Development Community (SADC) Multi-Stakeholder Water Dialogue (MSWD) which started in Maseru on Wednesday.

He said the entire world is experiencing water scarcity, commenting that the situation poses a serious challenge to individuals, including partners.

He stated that the dialogue is important as it will provide an opportunity for partners in water from SADC countries to share experiences in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

“Let us establish how IWRM approaches can address key aspects of socio-economic development and poverty eradication in Southern Africa so that we can achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDG's),” he said.

On the other hand, Mr. Khaketla observed that despite challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, droughts and food shortages, participants should find ways and means of mitigating the effects of climate change.

Sharing the same sentiments, Professor Torkil Clausen, and Senior Advisor for Global Water Partners in South Africa said there is need for SADC countries to work together in reducing poverty, hunger, diseases and environmental dehydration to achieve MDG's.

“In order to achieve the above, let us bear in mind that water is an important component and a human right and all societies should access it,” he said.

The dialogue is among others; aimed at promoting and sharing of IWRM strategies, experiences and best practices in climate change mitigation and adaptation that address local, national and regional socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

Participants include water experts from across the region including stakeholders dealing with issues of water.

Source: LENA 14/05/2008