Gaborone, Botswana – Botswana has initiated an Emergency Water Security and Efficiency consultancy project to enhance the management of its water resources. Supported by a $1.1 million grant from the World Bank, the project began in January and is scheduled for completion in November.
According to Ms. Onalekutlo Kenabatho, a water engineer at the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the project aims to develop a national water resources drought preparedness and management plan alongside an early warning system to manage hydrological drought and ensure an adequate water supply.
Ms. Kenabatho explained that the project is currently in the consultation stage, focusing on the design of an integrated drought monitoring system.
The plan includes improving water conservation through efficient irrigation techniques and water-saving devices.
Additionally, the project seeks to enhance policy and institutional frameworks to support effective drought management. Given Botswana’s reliance on both surface and groundwater, with major contributions from the Okavango, Zambezi, and Limpopo Rivers, the country faces challenges such as low recharge rates, high evaporation, and frequent droughts.
In collaboration with the Italian consultancy firm Studio Galli Ingegneria (SGI), the project will establish a Water Resources Drought Management Centre.
Mr. Leonard Dikobe of SGI highlighted the shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in handling droughts, emphasizing the development of an early warning system. This system will monitor various indicators, including meteorological and hydrological data, to predict drought conditions and inform timely responses.
The project’s successful implementation is expected to significantly bolster Botswana’s water security and resilience against climate-induced water scarcity.
