29 Feb 2016

The chairmanship of The Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) has passed from Botswana to Mozambique at a meeting held in Gaborone, attended by representatives of its eight member states.

The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR), Mr Kitso Mokaila, handed over the chairmanship of the ZAMCOM to the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Mr Carlos Bonete Martinho of Mozambique.

Before handing over the chairmanship to his successor, the outgoing Mr Mokaila gave background information on ZAMCOM.

He said the eight countries - Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe - have collaborated in the management of the Zambezi River to ensure sustainability of the resource.

He stated that ZAMCOM was established to promote the equitable and reasonable utilisation of the water resources of the Zambezi watercourse as well as the efficient management and sustainable development thereof.

He also said ZAMCOM’s goal is to assist the Riparian States achieve regional cooperation and integration through sharing treasured benefits from the water resources of the Zambezi river basin.

He thanked other countries for the manner they have been working with him, saying the collaboration strengthens bilateral relations.

He further stated that “today water is political,” especially that there has been drought for over a long period of time in the reguion.

He therefore informed all that they are all dependent on a resource that they cannot manufacture and as a result urged all to work for the good of the member countries.

Mr Mokaila said the Zambezi watercourse is a major water source in the region that has to be conserved, protected and used sustainably.

He asked other state ministers to give the incoming chairperson the necessary support.

For his part, Mr Martinho expressed gratitude on behalf of his nation, saying it is an honour to assume the ZAMCOM chairmanship.

He assured the ministers that he would work hard to push the mandate of ZAMCOM.

He stated that water should not be used as a source of conflict, but instead be used for the benefit of people. He said that it should bring socio- economic development. Ends