In 2010, the African water family found its unity, following our fusion with the ex-ESAR-IWA. Today, our Association is the only continental organization in the water and sanitation sector that enjoys the confidence of multilateral partners. A position that enabled us to organize a regional African Forum during the Congress of the International Water Association (IWA), held in September in Montreal, to deliver, at the invitation of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), a statement to the high level ministerial session during the third African Water week, held in November in Addis Ababa.

To improve the performances of water companies, The Water Operators Partnership for Africa (WOP-Africa) initiated workshops and partnerships. The outcome is convincing for our water companies and will be even more convincing in the coming years, thanks to the support of our partners (UN-Habitat, USAID, and AfDB). The year 2011 will open new perspectives for our Association and our responsibility is not to balk at the task. This pivotage year before the 2012 Congress in Marrakech will be a year of intense activities aimed at promoting visibility, advocacy and formalization of partnerships to consolidate the international status of our Association and positively influence public policies in the water and sanitation sector.

We should, more than ever, be determined to maintain the excellence bar. This was demonstrated by our Scientific and Technical Council (STC) during the two previous annual meetings (Libreville and Dakar). Its agenda for the New Year is even more attractive for enhancing the level of performance of our members. What is important now is to save words and act efficiently in order to achieve our objectives.

Happy New Year 2011.