Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
WATER MINISTERS STRENGTHEN SOUTH AFRICAN-BOTSWANA TIES
6 NOVEMBER 1995
Future co-operation in water matters between Botswana and South Africa was given a huge boost with an agreement today between Mr D.N. Magang, Minister of Mineral Resources and Water Affairs in Botswana and Prof, Kader Asmal, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry in South Africa to establish a Joint Water Commission.
The two ministers and senior officials met in Kasane, Botswana and had widlated issues which culminated in the agreement to establish the Joint Water Commission. This agreement is a breakthrough in the strengthening of bilateral relations. It will provide a forum where the two countries can agree on mutually beneficial and equitable water resources development.
Many areas for technical and other co-operation exist.
River Systems.
The Joint Upper Limpopo Basin Study which was completed in 1991 was hampered by a lack of measured flow data in the Limpopo River. A further joint study of the basin was indicated and the Limpopo Basin Technical Committee between South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mocambique was resurrected on 14 August 1995 to investigate future action in this regard.
As semi-arid Southern African countries, both parties are faced with similar challenges and problems related to water resources management. Matters such as water resources planning, rural water supply and sanitation, water quality, environmental issues, groundwater mapping and water conservation were discussed and view on water law and training opportunities exchanged.
Water resources in Southern Africa are limited. More interna- tional joint water supply projects will be required in order to meet the challenge of future water demands. Co-operation in water resource development is therefore of crucial importance.
The Ministers agreed in a joint statement that, "This Joint Water Commission will enable the two countries to bring their indi- vidual wisdom and experience to the table. Water resources manage- ment in the subcontinent requires a long-term view. The perspectives gained today will be broadened at the forthcoming SADC Ministerial conference on Water Resources Management in Pretoria later this month and will ultimately enable all the Southern African countries to embark upon purposeful water resources management".
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