Friday, December 13, 2013

Plan to manage water resources launched

Alignment, harmonisation and building on existing processes in water resources management are effective and affordable routes to development. Speaking during the launch of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)/Water Efficiency (WE) plan, the chairperson of the Global Water Partnership, Dr Akolang Tombale noted that water was a fundamental asset to national socio-economic and environmental needs. He said the plan promotes coordinated development, management and water use.

The plan, which was developed over four years, will be implemented under the National Water Policy, which is still at draft stage. It aims to optimise economic, social  and environmental welfare in an equitable manner without compromising of vital ecosystems. 

“IWRM includes the infrastructure needed to harness water for productive use and the management interventions required for efficient use of water; mediates between competing users and uses; and protects the resource and ecosystems that depend on it,” said Tombale.

The plan also strives to improve people’s livelihoods, welfare and contribute to sustained economic growth, economic diversification and social justice through equitable and sustainable water resources development and management.

This plan received support from the United Nations Development Programme, while implementation and management were entrusted to the Kalahari Conservation Society. The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila said the national water demand was expected to grow from 195 cubic metres in 2012 to 335 million cubic metres by 2020.

Read more on: http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=5066

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