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The
newly elected Southern African Development Community (Sadc)
chairperson Paul Berenger has called for a new era that should be
marked by enhanced co-operation and the building of a stronger and
integrated economy in the region.
Berenger, also the Prime Minister of Mauritius, made the call
during the commemoration of Sadc Day at the Sadc Heads of State and
Government Summit that started on Monday in the capital Port
Louis.
He said every citizen in the region should not only have the basic
necessities of life such as food, shelter and clothing, but should
also enjoy access to good quality health services and
sanitation.
"This can only happen if there is creation of wealth and jobs. One
area in which we stand to reap good results if we tap into it more
vigorously is agriculture. There is enormous potential in
agriculture, which can assist us in furthering our development
goals," said Berenger.
He said the Dar es Salaam Declaration on Agriculture and Food
Security, which was adopted in May this year was a clear indication
of the region's commitment towards improving food production and
food security.
"Our region is prone to drought, floods and cyclones which have
adversely affected food production in the region. They demonstrate
more than ever before, the need for the region to be prepared to
tackle such crises.
"We need to establish a functional regional food security
information system. This would eventually, help in the promotion of
trade while contributing to the enhancement of our capacity for
timely delivery of food supplies to affected populations during
emergencies and thus, minimising the disruptions on longer-term
agricultural growth and development," he said.
The prime minister also added that the region was faced with an
unprecedented HIV and Aids crisis that had placed it in a state of
severe vulnerability, a situation exacerbated by high poverty
levels.
He said they would continue to implement national and regional
policies on HIV and Aids focusing on prevention, care and support
and on mitigating the socio- economic impact of this
pandemic.
Referring to Sadc Day he said it was commemorated in an environment
where a culture of free and fair elections prevailed.
"We have observed the holding of successful elections in Malawi and
South Africa early this year. Later this year Botswana, Mozambique
and Namibia will be going to the polls. The United Republic of
Tanzania and Zimbabwe are expected to hold elections next year.
This is indeed, a clear expression of the region's commitment to
democracy," he said. – BuaNews.
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