Mali: The good indicators of Mali – Africa Links 24

Bamako, March 25 (AMAP) In 2024, the access rate to drinking water services in Mali is 83.2% in urban and semi-urban areas and 67.3% in rural areas, with a national average of 71.9%, announced on Friday, Minister of Agriculture Lassine Dembélé, representing his colleague from the Ministry of Energy and Water.

Mr. Dembélé, speaking on the occasion of World Water Day celebrated on March 22 under the theme “Water for Peace,” added that ongoing structural projects will improve water supply. These include continuing work to strengthen and extend drinking water services, the expected construction of over 3,450 new modern water points in 2024, and the reinforcement of over 620 existing facilities outside the concession area.

“Unfortunately,” Mr. Dembélé lamented, “water resources continue to deteriorate not only due to the impact of climate change, but also because of human actions and practices: water wastage in all its forms, unregulated exploitation of riverbanks, unregulated gold mining activities, discharge of waste and other harmful substances into watercourses.”

In Mali, the highlight of this 32nd edition was a meeting held at the International Conference Center in Bamako (CICB). This day emphasizes the importance of water and advocates for its sustainable management to combat the global water crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG No. 6).

This edition, according to Minister Lassine Dembélé, is commemorated in a global context marked by worsening effects of climate change, population growth, and increasing conflicts related to water. “These phenomena pose real threats to the protection and conservation of our precious water resource.”

The theme reflects the challenges facing Mali in terms of access to drinking water. The country is among those facing water stress, with less than 1,000 m3 of water per person per year.

Furthermore, since the major drought of the 1970s, there has been a gradual decrease and continuous deterioration in the quality of water resources in Mali.

For the representative of the civil society in the water and sanitation sector (CN-CIEPA), Selly Ouane, this day is a moment for civil society to advocate for universal access to drinking water by 2030.

“In our country, around 30% of the population lacks access to clean water, with disparities between rural, semi-urban, and urban areas. In addition, population growth means that more and more individuals and economic sectors are competing for access to water,” she analyzed.

The ambassador of the United States of America, on behalf of the Technical and Financial Partners (TFPs) in the water and sanitation sector, explained that this day reminds us annually of the fundamental importance of water in sustaining life, promoting development, and fostering peace.