By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The management of transboundary waters has become a significant subject of discussion at a recent meeting under the theme “Management of Transboundary Waters.”
The goal of the meeting was to improve the management of these shared waters and foster stronger cooperation, acknowledging that water is a critical resource for the livelihoods, health, food security, and prosperity of billions of people.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, underscored the immense importance of transboundary water management, emphasising its relevance to the collective future of the four nations. “Water, the lifeblood of our planet, transcends borders, cultures, and economies,” said Minister Moleko.
He highlighted that water is not only essential for sustaining life, but it is also central to the agricultural, industrial, and economic sectors that drive national and regional development.
The Minister acknowledged the various challenges that these nations face, including the impacts of climate change, rapid population growth, and increasing urbanization. However, he pointed out that these challenges also present an opportunity, an opportunity to turn water, often a source of tension and conflict, into a powerful catalyst for collaboration and peace. “No country can manage transboundary waters alone,” Moleko added, emphasising the need for collective efforts in tackling the issues related to water security, sustainability, and shared responsibility.
Hon. Moleko emphasised that the effective management of shared water resources depends on partnerships at all levels, bilateral, regional, and global. Lesotho, as a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is guided by the Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Water Courses.
Adding that this Protocol promotes cooperation and coordination among member states in the management of shared water courses, recognizing that the sustainable use of water resources requires joint effort and mutual understanding.
Through this framework, SADC encourages its member states to not only cooperate but also to sign agreements and establish institutions to support the collaborative management of shared waters. Lesotho’s commitment to these goals is reflected in the cooperation it has with its neighbouring countries, particularly regarding the shared Senqu River.
In line with the Revised SADC Protocol, Lesotho, together with Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, signed an agreement in 2000 regarding the utilization of the waters of the Senqu River (also known as the Orange River in South Africa and Namibia). The Agreement serves as a vital cooperation mechanism between these four countries, providing a framework for the sustainable development and management of the river’s resources.
This cooperation led to the establishment of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), a critical entity tasked with overseeing the shared water resources of the Senqu River. ORASECOM serves as the Secretariat for the discussions surrounding the river and plays an essential role in ensuring that the interests of all four countries are represented. The Commission facilitates collaboration in water management, disaster response, pollution control, and infrastructure development, all of which are crucial to sustaining the river as a reliable resource for future generations.
While the framework for cooperation is in place, Hon. Moleko noted that significant challenges still lie ahead. Climate change, in particular, poses a direct threat to the availability of water resources, as shifting rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts can drastically affect water supplies.
Additionally, rapid urbanization and population growth place increasing demand on water resources, making it more difficult to balance usage between the agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors.
Nevertheless, Minister Moleko pointed out that these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
By working together and sharing knowledge and technology, the four countries can develop more efficient water management practices, implement water conservation measures, and create systems that are resilient to the pressures of climate change. The opportunity to transform water management from a source of conflict to one of cooperation is immense, and the potential for regional collaboration is vital in achieving long-term water security and peace.
Director of Water Affairs Ms. Nthati Toane in her presentation stated that the meeting on the management of transboundary waters was a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between the four countries sharing the Senqu River.
She further stated that by working together under the guiding principles of the Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Water Courses and through the collaborative efforts of ORASECOM, these nations are better positioned to tackle the challenges ahead and ensure that their shared water resources are managed sustainably and equitably.
As water continues to be a vital resource for both survival and development, the partnerships formed at regional and global levels will be essential in ensuring that water remains a source of cooperation, rather than conflict, in the future. The ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa is a model for how nations can work together to safeguard one of the planet’s most precious resources for generations to come.