Planning of international water resources in southeastern Africa

In recent years Mozambique and Zimbabwe have reformed their water legislation and signed agreements for joint development of shared water resources. As part of this effort, the governments of the two countries have are creating a framework for the equitable management, development and conservation of water resources in the Pungwe River basin.

Sweco has been commissioned as consultant and advisor to assist in developing a strategy for the countries’ water resource planning. The assignment has been carried out in cooperation with public agencies and affected parties in the region, and has included mapping of water assets in the drainage basin, future water requirements and the existing problems with flooding and salt water penetration. The development potential in the drainage basin has also been analysed by Sweco, among other things by listing proposals for prioritised investments to increase sustainable production in the area.

The project offers enormous potential for environmental gains, not least through efforts to reduce flooding and salt water penetration and boost production of foodstuffs in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner.