Juba to host meeting of regional water ministers

JUBA — The Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) charged with water affairs from all the ten riparian countries are due to meet in Juba on Friday to discuss programs of Nile Basin Initiative, Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources announced on Wednesday.

The 29th Nile Council of Ministers meeting will evaluate the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) programs and provide strategic guidance for the future operation of the institution, its achievement, goals, and objective.

The meeting will bring together ten countries that share the River Nile which include Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The meeting will also witness a change in the top leadership of NBI, with the position of chairman of the Nile Council of Ministers moving from Rwanda to South Sudan.

Speaking to journalists in Juba on Wednesday, Gatkuoth said South Sudan will benefit a lot from the projects the Nile Basin will be undertaking.

The project includes Lakki Hydro power, Malakal-Bentiu Transmission, and Shukoli Hydropower plant.

“The government of South Sudan will benefit from its membership in NBI through engagement, deliberation, and consultation on optimal, sustainable, and equitable use of the Nile Basin water,” Gatkuoth said.

He encouraged South Sudan to extend their warm hospitality to the visitors who will be attending Friday’s meeting in Juba.

He said the country is participating in 22 Nile Basin projects which are expected to contribute to the country’s environmental sustainability, energy, water, and as well as food security.

Eng. Sylvester Anthony Mathemu, Executive Director of Nile Basin Initiative said seven ministers will arrive in Juba on Thursday.

“I can confirm that this governor’s meeting has a lot of blessing. Many ministers would like to come to Juba and up to now 7 ministers have confirmed to come and the others will participate virtually,” Anthony said.