African Water and Sanitation Association has new leadership with Dr. Blaise Moussa, Managing Director of the Cameroon Water Corporation (CAMWATER) taking over the presidency of the association from Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Council of Uganda.

The changes in leadership follow elections held during an executive board meeting in Kampala Uganda prior to the opening of the 22nd AfWASA International Congress and exhibition.

Besides president, the board also elected vice presidents for the five regions in which Lilongwe Water Board Chief Executive Officer, Sili Mbewe was re-elected vice president of AfWASA, Southern Africa on a term of two years.

The outgoing president Dr. Eng. Mugisha, said he is contented with the achievements attained the past five years he has been at the helm of the water utility bodies association in the region.

“One of the milestones is operationalization of the Water and Sanitation Academy which has been on the table the past 15 years,” he said adding that focus of the academy will be leadership and change management of utility bodies in the region.

Transformation of the Scientific Technical Council now known as Strategic and Technological Council is another achievement the outgoing president said is worth noting established to enhance capacity building, research, innovations and collaborative partnerships for resolving obstacles in the sector.  

Meanwhile, the board approved Lilongwe as host for the July Strategic and Technological Council meeting this year.

LWB CEO, Mbewe is upbeat that retaining vice presidency for Southern Africa and hosting the STC meeting will propel potential members in Malawi to join AfWASA.

“I hope this will make more utility bodies join AfWASA on one hand and hosting of the STC on the other will strengthen capacity while opening opportunities for financial partners needed to invest in the water and sanitation sector for improved access,” said Mbewe.

AfWASA which was established in 1980 currently has membership in 45 countries presenting itself as an institution of excellency in coordinating the search for knowledge and latest development in the technical, legal, administrative and economic fields for drinking water production, supply and of sanitation in Africa.

The incoming president, Dr. Moussa has pledged commitment to sustain resources mobilization for innovative financing and increase membership in the region.