Developing water catchment systems in Southern Africa

Water Ministers from the Southern African Development Community recently held discussions over the management of the Orange-Senqu River Basin, a crucial water source spanning South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho. The meeting focused on implementing a climate-smart river basin organization to ensure sustainable water resource management. Lindiwe Lusenga, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Water Affairs, highlighted key outcomes of the meeting, including the emphasis on climate resilience, cooperative river flows, and enhanced environmental and social assessments. One major outcome was the decision to invest in a basin-wide climate-resilient water resource plan to address the challenges facing the river basin. This strategic investment aims to prevent flooding in downstream countries, enhance environmental protection measures, and promote sustainable water utilization among the four nations sharing the river. Additionally, the meeting prioritized the involvement of women in water diplomacy through the creation of a Women in Water Diplomacy Network, recognizing the essential role women play in water resource management. Infrastructure development emerged as a critical component of the discussions, given the continent's water scarcity challenges. Lusenga highlighted key investments, such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the proposed North Uwele Fjords Drift Dam between South Africa and Namibia. These projects aim to enhance water supply infrastructure, facilitate cross-border water transfers, and benefit local communities along the pipelines. The total investment in these projects amounts to billions of dollars, signaling a significant commitment to addressing water security in the region. Moreover, the private sector is expected to play a vital role in financing and implementing water infrastructure projects in collaboration with governmental initiatives. Projects like the Lesotho-Botswana water transfer and the North River Fuel Strip Dam present opportunities for private sector engagement, leveraging their expertise and resources for sustainable water management solutions. By partnering with the private sector, governments can accelerate infrastructure development and ensure efficient maintenance of water systems. Moving forward, continued collaboration among SADC member states, private investors, and local communities will be essential to realizing the goals set during the recent meeting. The commitment to climate-smart practices, gender inclusivity, and strategic investments underscores the region's dedication to securing water resources for future generations. As initiatives progress, the monitoring of project milestones and the evaluation of environmental impacts will be crucial to ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of water management strategies in the Orange-Senqu River Basin.