Philemon Jambaya
Ministers responsible for water resources from Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe pledged a united front in tackling the challenges of the Limpopo River Basin.
Meeting in Musina, South Africa, they launched the “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin" project, a collaborative effort funded by the Global Environment Facility.
“We are looking forward to executing the project so that those who came after us can inherit it and take it forward,” said South African Minister for Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, highlighting the project's long-term vision.
The project aims to “uplift the living standards of the basin's population and conserve the basin’s resources and ecosystem services,” according to a statement.
Strengthening transboundary cooperation on water management, as emphasised by Zimbabwean Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka: “Our people are the centre of the development that we seek to improve in the Limpopo basin...”
Developing a plan for managing the basin’s water resources, both surface and groundwater, through “conjunctive management” as outlined by the project.
Improving flood and drought management practices.
Dr. Masuku echoed the project's focus on people, stating: “We look forward to making sure that people fully benefit from this important project.”
Ministers acknowledged the basin's dependence on the Limpopo River. “Our population is highly dependent on the Limpopo for socio-economic development,” said a representative from Botswana, Nchidzi Mmolawa. “It is, therefore, important for us to collectively work together for the good of our communities.”
The United Nations Development Programme and the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa will provide support and expertise throughout the project.
“The UNDP acknowledges and commends the collaborative efforts of all the national governments...” said Deshni Pillay, the Nature, Climate and Energy Portfolio Manager at UNDP.
Alex Simalabwi, Executive Secretary for GWPSA-Africa, emphasised the importance of a united approach. “The UNDP-GEF project ... represents a collective effort by government institutions, communities, women and youth groups, private sector and other key stakeholders...”
The four-year project is funded by a US$6 million grant from GEF and is expected to run from 2023-2027.
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