Water Resources Minister, Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, met Dr. Ponatshego H. Kedikilwe, the Minister of Minerals Energy and Water Resources in Botswana two weeks ago to embark on the joint venture. The operation is in accordance with Article 2 of the SADC Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses, where the Ministers are committed to “foster cooperation for sustainable and coordinated management and utilization of shared watercourses for the benefit of the people of the two countries and to achieve regional integration and poverty alleviation.
In an interview, Nkomo said the main objective of the Commission would be to act as to the Parties on all technical matters relating to the development and utilization of water resources in the two countries. “We agreed that there shall be investment co-operation with a view to encouraging joint ventures by institutions and citizens of both parties in the area of water development. The agreement will enhance technical co-operation in areas of surface, groundwater, water quality and management of information with a view to strengthening current and future water resources management,” said Nkomo.
The engagement of the Botswana Government is part of an ongoing tour of SADC states, to engage them to sign and ratify the Zambezi Watercourse Commission Protocol.
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