March 22 was largely observed around the globe as World Water Day, a day which underlines the significance of fresh water in our lives. 2021 edition was commemorated under the theme: Valuing water. According to the United Nations, this day is not just only to celebrate water but more importantly it is also intended to raise awareness about some lesser facts. For instance, statistics show that approximately 2. 2 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water. And besides, the UN has predicted that by 2050 approximately 5.7 billion people could be living in areas that will witness water shortage for at aleast a month every year. Accordingly, the UN says one of the core focus areas of World Water Day is to work towards accomplishing Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
As part of the commemoration for this year, Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju was one of the panelists at the 9th Annual Massachusetts Water Youth Summit organized by the Foundation for a Green Future. In his presentation Hon, Agho Oliver that with the harshness of the dry season access to water remains a major preoccupation around the globe and Cameroon as well. “Covid 19” he added “has skyrocket the need for water given that water is one of the barrier measures that those who cannot afford facemask can easily afford if it is accessible to all”. To Hon. Agho Oliver, improving access to water should start from protecting water sources which to him are “sources of life given that water is life”. Harping on his personal contribution and water government of Cameroon has been doing to improve access to water, Hon. Agho Oliver said every year, government provides water schemes to communities yet community beneficiaries hardly take care of the water sources. He also mentioned the invasion of water catchment areas by farmers and rampant grazing in around water sources. “Lash and burnt commonly known as Ankara” he reiterated also is also one of the drivers of climate change and contributes significantly in polluting water sources. When asked what has been his contribution in improving access to water, Hon. Agho said he started planting trees to restore water sources before he became Member of Parliament. “With the ongoing crisis and Internally Displaced in the North West Region, there is the need for us to improve on access to water in the North West Region”, he added. At the end of the presentation Hon. Agho Oliver expressed gratitude to Dr. Karen Weber, of the Foundation for a Green Future for inviting him to talk to youths and learn as well.
It is worth mentioning that the 9th Annual Massachusetts Water Youth Summit was a virtual event was sponsored by Senator Ann Gobi, Senator Jamie and Representative Carolyn Dykema. Participants were made up of youth from USA, France, India, Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, Malaysia and South Africa.
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