Mozambique, Zimbabwe Make Strides in Managing Shared River Basins
Project officials credited strong cooperation between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
HARARE, Zimbabwe – The governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe have made significant progress in building resilience against climate shocks like floods and drought in the shared Buzi, Pungwe and Save river basins, according to a mid-term review of a joint project, writes Winston Mwale.
The four-year Global Environment Facility-funded project, implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature with support from the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, aims to strengthen water management and monitoring systems in the three basins spanning the two nations.
"The project has successfully responded to challenges within the basins and member state needs, advancing towards improved water security, climate change resilience and sustainable livelihoods," said Tariro Saruchera, IUCN's regional program manager for integrated water resources management.
A key achievement was the recent establishment of the Buzi, Pungwe and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM) to oversee planning and development across the tri-basin area – the first such institution in the region.
The project has installed hydro-meteorological equipment to provide real-time data on water flows to aid flood forecasting and drought monitoring. Local technicians have received training to operate and maintain the equipment.
Environmental studies were conducted to assess sustainable water use levels in the Pungwe basin, informing an upcoming review of water-sharing arrangements between the two countries.
"The study recommended that water resource development be combined with investments in environmental protection and sustainable natural resource use," said Loreen Katiyo, a transboundary water specialist with GWPSA.
A transboundary diagnostic analysis outlining challenges facing the basins was also completed to guide development of strategic action plans and regional investments in areas like irrigation, flood control and environmental protection.
Project officials credited strong cooperation between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, along with stakeholder engagement, as key factors behind the progress achieved so far in jointly managing the vital shared water resources.