Permanent and Principal Secretaries in the ministries of Environment, Water and East African Community Affairs from the East African Community (EAC) Partner States have endorsed the three broad priority areas proposed under the Multisectoral Multiphase Programme for Lake Victoria Basin.
The priority areas include strengthening the Stabilization of the Lake Victoria Basin ecosystems (including water quality), Sustainable development of transport infrastructure and Support the development of the Blue Economy and Agriculture.
They also approved the roadmap for preparation of the proposed Multisectoral Multiphase Programme and directed Lake Victoria Basin Commission Secretariat to coordinate its implementation and regularly report progress;
The PS’s further directed LVBC Secretariat to incorporate inputs from the Partner States on the proposed Programme Concept Note and share the updated Concept Note with Partner States by 30 June 2024 and thereafter organize a regional validation meeting by July 2024.
During the high level consultative meeting for potential long term cross sectoral investments to address development challenges in Lake Victoria Basin that was held in Dar es Salaam- Tanzania between 23rd – 24th May, the permanent secretaries also directed LVBC Secretariat to continue coordinating the engagement with the World Bank on preparation of the Proposed Multisectoral Multiphase programme.
Delegates at the High level meeting pose for a photo
Partner states were also urged to make formal requests through their respective finance ministries for support to the World Bank to help prepare the proposed Multisectoral Multiphase Programme for Lake Victoria Basin by August 2025 once the International development association ( IDA 21) envelope is confirmed.
The session of the Permanent and Principal Secretaries was chaired by Hon Peter Mahal Akat, Undersecretary Ministry of water resources and irrigation from the Republic of South Sudan.
Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire makes his submission during the meeting.
Republic of Burundi was represented by Hon. Emmanuel Niyungeko, acting permanent secretary Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock while Hon Edith Mwanje, Permanent Secretary Ministry of East African Community Affairs represented the Republic of Uganda.
Ms Agnes Ksaka, deputy permanent secretary ministry of water represented the United Republic of Tanzania while Mr Julius Mwabu, Director productive services ministry of East African Community, the ASALs and Regional Development represented the Republic of Kenya.
Republic of Rwanda was represented by Mr Christian Fighter Manzi, program manager, climate resilience partnership development in the ministry of Environment.
Ends.
