Namibian counterpart, honourable Nickey Iyambo
12 May 2006
The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, the honourable Buyelwa Sonjica
visited Namibia to discuss various matters regarding the Orange River which is
shared by Namibia and South Africa.
A study has been conducted to investigate means to improve the management of
the Lower Orange River and to provide for future developments along the border
between Namibia and South Africa. The study has reached a point where options
had been identified.
It was agreed between the Ministries to initiate a number of further studies
in order to advance the following options:
* that the quality of the water and the environment be managed to improve
and optimise benefits and especially at the estuary.
* that the Ministries in both countries should improve monitoring and
operation of the existing dams on the river.
* that the existing infrastructure (dams) on the Orange River should be used
more effectively.
* those users should be encouraged to practice water conservation and demand
management.
* in order to make more water available to users on the Lower Orange River,
a new dam be considered at Noordoewer/Vioolsdrif to regulate water. Such a dam
would be able to mitigate the adverse effect on the environment of hydropower
development higher up in the river and thereby protect the fragile environment
at the Orange River estuary which is an International Ramsar site.
The Ministers noted with appreciation the progress reported by the Permanent
Water Commission (PWC) on the Orange River and instructed that the next phase
of investigation commence.
The two Ministers also discussed matters around an agreement for the use of
water from the Orange River along the common border between Namibia and South
Africa. Principles for such an agreement were agreed upon. The Ministers
instructed the PWC to draft an agreement along these guiding principles with
immediate effect.
Future developments along the Orange River were discussed as well. These
included the Tandjeskoppe Irrigation Project in Namibia near Noordoewer and the
second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
South Africa intends to establish a National Water Resources Agency (NWRA)
and is of the view that valuable lessons can be learnt from the Namibian
Nam-Water experience.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 885 8317
Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
12 May 2006
