Public service leaders have converged in the Erongo Region to tackle Africa's growing water and sanitation challenges as government officials and experts meet to explore innovative solutions aimed at strengthening public institutions and accelerating universal access to water and safe sanitation across the continent.

The three-day Africa Public Service Day Technical Symposium, hosted by the Erongo Regional Council in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister and the African Union Commission, officially got underway in Swakopmund on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Erongo Regional Council Chief Regional Officer Dr. Mupenzeni Ntelamo said this year's theme, “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063", is particularly significant for the Erongo Region, where water remains a scarce and critical resource.

Ntelamo said achieving universal access to water and sanitation requires capable public institutions, sound governance and strong collaboration between government, communities, development partners, academia and the private sector.

Throughout the symposium, delegates will discuss strengthening institutional capacity, financing sustainable water and sanitation projects, embracing innovation and digitisation, and sharing best practices from across the continent.

The programme also features exhibitions showcasing innovations and initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery.

The technical symposium will conclude on Thursday with the official national commemoration of Africa Public Service Day, to be led by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and other national leaders. 

Ntelamo encouraged participants to use the platform to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and develop practical solutions that will improve public service delivery and help secure sustainable water and sanitation for future generations.