By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The 6th SADC Groundwater Conference, recently held in Lesotho, brought together an impressive gathering of experts, practitioners, and policymakers committed to addressing the critical challenges of groundwater management and conservation.
Among the distinguished guests was the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, who delivered an insightful opening address highlighting the vital role of groundwater and the increasing threats it faces.
In his remarks, Minister Moleko stressed the significance of groundwater, emphasizing its essential contribution to sustaining life, ecosystems, and economies. “Without doubt, groundwater plays an indispensable role in sustaining life and ecosystems,” he said. “Apart from being the source of supply to nearly half of all drinking water globally, it maintains our wetlands and rivers, supports agriculture, and sustains industries.”
The minister also underscored the importance of groundwater in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, where many communities depend on this resource for their daily needs. Despite its crucial role, however, groundwater often goes unappreciated and is at risk from a variety of challenges.
Minister Moleko highlighted three primary threats to groundwater resources:
Groundwater resources in many areas are being extracted at unsustainable rates, with discharge exceeding recharge. This results in depletion of aquifers, which are difficult and slow to replenish, threatening future water availability.
Groundwater governance remains a complex issue, particularly in regions with shared aquifers. Effective management requires cooperation across borders and sectors, but in many cases, coordination and regulation are lacking, making sustainable management more difficult.
Climate change has exacerbated the vulnerability of groundwater resources, leading to changes in recharge rates and increased contamination. Groundwater pollution, in particular, is an irreversible problem; once an aquifer becomes polluted, it is often challenging to restore it to its original, clean state.
Minister Moleko pointed out that groundwater pollution is particularly concerning due to its long-term effects. “Groundwater pollution is a virtually irreversible process: once polluted, aquifer zones tend to remain contaminated, which poses serious challenges for water security and public health,” he noted.
One of the key issues raised during the conference was the limited knowledge about groundwater systems in the SADC region. Thabang Phori, Senior Hydrogeologist at the Department of Water Affairs in Lesotho, highlighted that the physical characteristics and potential of many of the 30 transboundary aquifers in the region are poorly understood. The SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI) has been working to address these knowledge gaps by conducting research and providing data that can inform better groundwater management practices.
Phori explained that his department’s primary objective is to monitor and evaluate both the quantity and quality of groundwater resources in Lesotho. While Lesotho has generally had good groundwater management practices, Phori emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to ensure that water resources are sustainable.
Groundwater contamination is a major concern in Lesotho, as it is in many parts of the world. Phori cited land use practices as one of the primary contributors to contamination, particularly in agricultural areas where the use of fertilizers and pesticides can leach into groundwater supplies. He mentioned that industrial activities, such as those in the Tšosane land field, also contribute to the contamination of groundwater.
“Studies show that groundwater is mostly polluted and contaminated by rain or human activity,” Phori noted. “The major concerns are land use practices, including agriculture, waste disposal, and industrial activities.”
“The government of Lesotho, through the Department of Water Affairs and the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), has been working diligently to address these challenges,” said Phori. These agencies are focused on improving water sanitation and ensuring that groundwater resources meet health and safety standards. As Phori explained, the department regularly conducts tests to monitor water quality and ensure that groundwater meets health standards.
Phori provided an example of how improving groundwater quality can have a significant impact on public health. He mentioned that in the past, some areas in Lesotho faced issues related to fluoride deficiency in groundwater, which led to dental problems such as brown teeth. “We have worked hard to address such issues, and now many people in Lesotho have access to WASCO water, which is treated and free from such contaminants,” Phori said.
This intervention has resulted in significant improvements in public health, as people no longer suffer from the dental problems associated with fluoride deficiency.
In addition to technical and regulatory efforts, educating local communities about the importance of preserving groundwater is a critical aspect of sustainable water management. Phori emphasized that the government is actively engaged in educating rural populations on how to protect their water resources.
“Through the SADC-GMI project, we are drilling monitoring boreholes and working with communities to ensure they understand how to manage their water sources sustainably,” Phori explained. “It is important that we instill in our communities the knowledge and skills needed to preserve their water resources for future generations.”
The Department of Water Affairs and WASCO have also been involved in initiatives aimed at improving sanitation in rural areas, which includes promoting the safe use of water, the treatment of water supplies, and the protection of groundwater from contamination.
The 6th SADC Groundwater Conference highlighted the need for continued collaboration, research, and investment in groundwater management across the region. As Minister Moleko stated in his opening remarks, “Groundwater is a shared resource that requires cooperative management. We must work together across borders, sectors, and disciplines to ensure its sustainable use.”
The challenges facing groundwater resources are significant, but with concerted efforts from governments, experts, and communities, there is hope that these vital resources can be protected and managed for the benefit of future generations. Through projects like those undertaken by the Department of Water Affairs and SADC-GMI, as well as increased awareness and education, the region can move toward a more sustainable and secure water future.