Melo News | Wednesday, July 10, 2024 | Lusaka
On the 9th of July, 2024, a significant meeting took place at 10:15 hours in Lusaka, where African Rivers International NGO and the Office of the Auditor General came together via a Zoom Cloud Conference. The meeting included various representatives from both institutions and collaborating partners from the United Kingdom.
The primary focus of the meeting was to delve into the core aspects of African Rivers International NGO, such as its Vision, Mission, Objectives, and Program Areas, specifically in Zambia and across Africa. Additionally, the meeting aimed to extend an invitation to the Office of the Auditor General to collaborate with African Rivers in organizing a Children’s Climate and Rivers Quiz Competition during the 96th Agriculture and Commercial Show at Lusaka’s Show grounds in Lusaka, over a seven-day period.
Moreover, the meeting sought to establish a framework for the Office of the Auditor General to engage in African Rivers’ activities, particularly in monitoring the performance aspects related to the health of rivers, protect biodiversity, local community engagement and other conservation efforts. Dr. Bobson Sikaala, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of African Rivers, provided an overview of the NGO’s Mission, Vision, Strategic Objectives, and key Program areas, along with outlining upcoming initiatives for the year 2024, such as the Zambezi River Indaba Expo, Deforestation Survey, River Water Quality Testing Pilot Project and the planned Water and Climate Public Forum TV series.
Furthermore, Mr. Joseph Kaumba, Program Manager responsible for River Conservation and Climate Change presented the detailed Concept Note and Program for the upcoming Climate and Rivers Children Quiz Competition scheduled to coincide with the 96th Agriculture and Commercial Show. The Concept Note outlined the education competition’s objectives, rationale, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and potential prizes for the participants involved.
Representatives from the Office of the Auditor General expressed their satisfaction with the responses provided by African Rivers’ Technical Advisor, Dr. Kelvin Kamayoyo, and CEO, Dr. Bobson Sikaala, during the meeting. They highlighted the importance of maintaining the health of rivers, sustainability of the interventions and the successful administration of the Children’s Quiz during the 96th Commercial Show at the Show Grounds.
The partnership between the Office of the Auditor General and African Rivers International NGO was emphasized, with a commitment to working together not only during the 96th Agricultural and Commercial Show but also beyond. The resources of the Auditor General’s office were made available to support the initiatives of African Rivers in ensuring the well-being of rivers and improved livelihoods of the local river communities.
Additionally, cooperating partners from the United Kingdom reiterated their dedication to collaborating with African Rivers, emphasizing their ongoing support since the organization’s inception and desire to promote sports tourism along the river banks to generate economic activities for improved livelihoods and sustainability of the local communities. Dr. Bobson Sikaala, the Acting CEO of African Rivers Organization, expressed gratitude to all attendees and participants at the meeting.
Contact details email: [email protected] or cell: +260952879001
