Agriculture Ministry to observe World Water Day in Windhoek

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) will observe World Water Day and World Wetlands Day under the jointly theme “Healthy wetlands and innovative water and wastewater management for enhanced livelihoods” on 22 and 23 March in Windhoek.

World Water and Wetlands Day is an annual event aimed to create awareness on the vital roles healthy wetlands play in reducing the impacts of natural disasters such as floods, droughts and cyclones on communities, as well as helping to build resilience by maintaining healthy wetlands.

The commemoration of World Water Day is also aimed to denounce the perception that wastewater is non-essential water which should be disposed, to promote the re-use, recycle and reclaim of wastewater, to reduce the demand for freshwater and alleviate the pressure on the already stressed water resources, to reduce environmental pollution, and diseases associated with poor and lack of wastewater treatment and management.

Activities such as Excursions to wastewater treatment facilities in Windhoek Gammams Water Care Works, Windhoek Goreangab Operation Company (WINGOC), and Ujams Wastewater Treatment Plant is scheduled for 22 March.

While the main commemoration day will take place on 23 March at the Zoo Park. The ministry has invited industries to showcase, display and demonstrate their water saving devices and technologies as well as members of the public are invited to attend and commemoration the 2017 World Wetlands/ World Water Day.

The event will be held in partnership with the Namibia Water Corporation (NAMWATER), Ministry of Environment and Tourism, City of Windhoek, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia Hope Youth Arts Education Association, SABMiller Namibia and Ogvily and Mather Namibia.