South Africa and Zimbabwe Set to Sign Historic Water Transfer MOU

by centra
0 comments
South Africa and Zimbabwe Set to Sign Historic Water Transfer MOU


South Africa and Zimbabwe

Johannesburg – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the transfer of treated water is expected to be signed on Thursday by South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, signifying an impending agreement between the two countries.

President Ramaphosa Commends Zimbabwe's Recent Elections Amid Challenging Economic Climate
President Ramaphosa Commends Zimbabwe’s Recent Elections Amid Challenging Economic Climate

This bilateral initiative will see approximately 15 million cubic metres per annum – equating to 41 million litres per day – of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe piped to the parched town of Musina in South Africa. This volume is expected to significantly address the water scarcity challenges faced by the Musina Local Municipality.

Detailing the background of this collaboration, the department expressed that “South Africa and Zimbabwe signed a bilateral agreement on Co-operation on Water Resources Management and the Establishment and Functioning of the Joint Water Commission (JWC) in 2015.”

The same day will mark the augmentation of regional cooperation as Minister Mchunu, along with representatives from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique – all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) – will endorse the amendments to the LIMCOM Agreement.

Explaining the importance of such multilateral engagement, the department clarified, “The agreement will enable the Ministers to adopt policies, decisions and provide guidance on the promotion and coordination of the management, development, and equitable utilisation of the shared water resources.”

Participants are expected to reaffirm their dedication to the Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin, symbolising a commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

The Water and Sanitation Ministry highlighted that, “The agreement will strengthen South Africa’s relations with the three riparian states which share the basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use.”

Furthermore, Minister Mchunu, accompanied by his deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, alongside Vhembe District Municipality Mayor Freda Nkondo, will take part in community engagements at Musina Showgrounds. The aim of Friday’s engagement is to provide updates on the strides made to combat the daunting water shortages in the Musina area.

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept