Fourteen governors from counties within the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) have united to address key environmental challenges, vowing to prioritize water security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience across their regions.
In a joint communique issued after a recent meeting, the governors pledged to work together to secure access to clean and safe water for all residents within their counties. Recognizing water security as a fundamental human right, they emphasized its importance for social and economic development.
The governors also committed to upholding policies that protect critical ecosystems, including water catchment areas, forests, wetlands, and other vital environmental regions. They underscored the importance of regional collaboration in managing shared water resources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
“The Lake Region is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including floods and droughts, which threaten our water resources,” said the governors in their statement. “We are committed to building climate resilience in our counties to safeguard the future of our communities.”
The bloc expressed its determination to bridge disparities in water and sanitation services, particularly in marginalized and rural areas, and to develop comprehensive proposals that align with national and regional water security priorities.
In an effort to improve the management of water resources, the governors supported the formation of Water Basin Committees composed of representatives from counties sharing key water bodies. These committees will focus on the sustainable management of watersheds, rivers, and lakes.
Public-private partnerships were also highlighted as essential to financing water infrastructure and sanitation projects, with the governors pledging to promote energy-efficient technologies, such as solar-powered water schemes, to reduce operational costs and enhance sustainability.
“We will leverage research and innovation to tackle water scarcity, improve sanitation, and build resilience against climate change,” they added.
“Our goal is to develop an integrated catchment conservation plan and reduce non-revenue water while strengthening public health through better water services.”
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to effective governance and sound water policies to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the Lake Region.
