In a groundbreaking move, Zimbabwe is set to supply fresh water to South Africa, specifically from Beitbridge to Musina, as part of a historic bilateral agreement. South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, is poised to lead the signing of the amended Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) Agreement alongside his counterparts from Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
The spotlight of the event will be the signing of the Bilateral Agreement with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka. This pact marks a significant milestone in the cooperation between the two nations, aiming to augment the water supply in the drought-prone area of Musina.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place on 14 March 2024 at Mudzwiri Lodge, Musina, Limpopo, at 12:00. This initiative not only showcases the collaborative spirit between South Africa and Zimbabwe but also highlights the importance of sustainable water management in the region.
Minister Mchunu has expressed optimism about the agreement, highlighting the importance of collaboration in ensuring water security for the people of both nations. Dr. Masuka has also emphasized the significance of regional partnerships in addressing water issues and the need for sustainable water management.
As both countries gear up for this historic signing, the eyes of the region are on Musina, where a new chapter in cross-border water cooperation is about to be written.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets the stage for an annual transfer of approximately 15 million cubic meters of treated water from Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge Treatment Works directly to the Musina Local Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa.
The Musina municipality, home to 132,009 residents, spans 192 villages and encompasses the town of Musina. Located in a primarily dry region, the community traditionally relies on groundwater for its water requirements. This new cross-border agreement signifies an important advancement in ensuring a more sustainable water source for the region.
Source iHarare
