On Thursday, Water and Sanitation Minister of South Africa, Senzo Mchunu, alongside his Zimbabwean counterpart, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, are poised to ink a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at facilitating the transfer of treated water to Musina, South Africa. This landmark bilateral agreement will see approximately 15 million cubic meters per annum of treated water, equivalent to 41 Ml/d, flowing from Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge Water Treatment Works to alleviate water scarcity in Musina.
The significance of this pact cannot be overstated, especially considering Musina’s dry climate and limited water sources, leaving its population of 132,009 residents across 192 villages and one town in dire need of a sustainable water supply.
This move builds upon the 2015 bilateral agreement on Co-operation on Water Resources Management and the Establishment and Functioning of the Joint Water Commission (JWC) between South Africa and Zimbabwe, signifying a strengthened commitment to regional water resource management.
Moreover, the signing event will witness Minister Mchunu, alongside counterparts from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique, who are all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM), amend the LIMCOM Agreement, further solidifying collaborative efforts in transboundary water management.
The amended LIMCOM Agreement is expected to empower ministers to adopt policies, make decisions, and offer guidance on the management, development, and equitable utilization of shared water resources, ensuring sustainability and fairness in water distribution.
As part of the broader initiative, the Commission Sitting will also mark a commitment to implementing Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin. This strategic move aims to bolster South Africa’s relations with neighboring riparian states and promote socio-economic activities such as agriculture, tourism, energy generation, and domestic water supply.
In light of these developments, Water and Sanitation Minister Mchunu, along with his Deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, accompanied by Vhembe District Municipality Mayor, Freda Nkondo, will engage with the Musina community at Musina Showgrounds on Friday. This engagement seeks to provide feedback on progress made in addressing water supply challenges in the region, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean water for all citizens.
These initiatives are timely, coinciding with the annual National Water Month observed in March, an extension of World Water Day on 22 March, which advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year, the World Water Day theme, ‘Water for Peace’, highlights the pivotal role of water in fostering global stability and prosperity.
In summary, the forthcoming agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe signifies a significant step towards sustainable water management, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in addressing water scarcity challenges. As both nations work hand in hand to secure water resources, the future looks promising for Musina and its residents, promising a more sustainable and water-secure future for all.
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