Former President Mwai Kibaki on Friday released a statement raising concern over the perennial water challenge which he indicated was getting out of hand.
In an open letter published in the Nation, Kibaki noted that statistics indicate the precious commodity is getting depleted at an alarming rate hence putting millions of lives at risk and threatening economic growth.
"While such statistics may seem remote or too general, it is a fact that, today, there are many dry gorges where there once were flowing rivers only a few years back," the letter read.
[caption caption="Former President Mwai Kibaki"]
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Kibaki further noted the extreme changes in weather patterns where drought and floods have become a common occurrence.
"Today, we live in constant alarm of the possibility of the havoc of floods and storm water may cause once the rainy season sets in.
"In a nutshell, the natural rhythms that dictated our activities and created hope for our survival have been greatly disrupted over time," the former Head of State wrote.
Kibaki, who also serves as UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Water in Africa, revealed that the regrettable pattern revolved around the use, misuse, conservation and governance of water.
He further added that he has been championing for the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all given that the commodity is the lifeblood of all people regardless of their age or social status.
"It is not enough to regurgitate dry statistics at forums that address the water situation in Africa. Time to develop home-grown solutions to Africa’s water woes has come.
"Before we engage in yet more studies, we should find out what is already established by research and implement it," he concluded.
[caption caption="A man being rescued from the recent floods"]
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