South Africa and Zimbabwe Sign Water Transfer Agreement

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu of South Africa and Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Beitbridge, a border town in the province of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe to Musina, the northernmost town in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

The agreement is a result of bilateral cooperation on water resources management established by the two countries in 2015. It aims to address water supply challenges in Musina, Limpopo, through the medium-term solution of transferring water from Zimbabwe to South Africa.

The Beitbridge Water Treatment Plant in Zimbabwe has a capacity of 35 million cubic meters/annum (96 Ml/day), with only 10% of its capacity currently utilised for Beitbridge. Under the agreement, 15 million cubic meters (41 ML/day) of treated water will be transferred to Musina, with construction overseen by the South African Development Bank and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.

The project, expected to be completed in 2026, will comply with South Africa’s water quality standards (SANS 241) and WHO guidelines.

In the interim, the South African Department of Water and Sanitation is working with the Vhembe District Municipality to address water infrastructure challenges in Musina, including rehabilitating non-functional boreholes.

Minister Mchunu expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe for expediting the water-sharing deal, which will significantly impact the lives of Musina residents. Minister Masuka expressed Zimbabwe’s commitment to supplying treated water to Musina, contributing to the region’s economic development.

During a two-day program, Minister Mchunu and Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala met with local municipality leadership to discuss short-, medium-, and long-term solutions to water challenges. An imbizo was held to update the Musina community on water provision plans and interim measures to alleviate water shortages.

This agreement represents a significant step towards addressing water challenges in the region and fostering cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe in water resources management.

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Source: South African News Agency