The Minister for Water and Environment, Sam Cheptoris, has issued a warning about a looming water shortage caused by the growing impact of climate change in Uganda and Africa. He emphasized the importance of addressing climate change through appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures to safeguard water resources.
Mr. Cheptoris also highlighted the concerning degradation of water catchment areas, which play a crucial role in generating and replenishing water resources. This degradation has significantly affected both the quantity and quality of available water, impacting the entire water cycle.
“Climate change has worsened the situation, leading to unpredictable weather patterns. The engineering standards and practices of previous years are no longer reliable guides for addressing future water requirements. Given the current population growth rate, which outpaces investment in safe water infrastructure across the continent, our national water demand is projected to increase from 408 million cubic meters per year in 2010 to 3,963 million cubic meters per year by 2050,” he stated during the opening of the second Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation Regulator’s Association (ESAWAS) meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
Considering the impacts of climate change, Mr. Cheptoris revealed that the total unmet demand for water in Uganda and Africa is expected to rise from 3.7 million cubic meters per year to 1,651 million cubic meters per year by 2050.
“Water shortages in most months will become substantial, while the existing infrastructure, built decades ago, is no longer capable of withstanding the risks posed by climate change effects. The anticipated cost in 2050 is estimated at $5.5 billion. These figures underscore the need for increased per capita investment in water supply infrastructure across the continent, with specific targets of reaching $75 by 2030, up from the current $32 in Uganda,” he added.
The Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation Regulator’s Association (ESAWAS) conference, held under the theme “Initiatives for Regulatory Impact,” aims to promote and facilitate the development of effective and innovative regulations for water supply and sanitation services. The first meeting took place in Zanzibar in 2022.
