…emphasises need for partnership
Anthony Muzondo
Zimbabwe is participating in the 8th India Water Week in New Delhi, a platform which brings together some leaders from around the world to explore solutions to the pressing issue of water scarcity and sustainability.
The event, which runs from September 17 – 20, 2024, aims to foster productive collaborations, partnership and opportunities in water management and sustainability with emphasis on effects of climate change worldwide.
It is being held under the theme, ‘Partnership and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.’
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Lands Agriculture Fisheries Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos highlighted some of the adverse effects of climate change affecting the country.
“Zimbabwe has not been spared the effects of climate change as we are currently seized with mitigating an El Nino-induced drought being experienced countrywide due to inadequate rains received in 2023-2024 rainfall season.
“The increase in the occurrence of these extreme events has underscored the need to find solutions to improve the management of water resources especially in the context of integrated approaches and cooperation in water resources management,” said Haritatos.
He acknowledged that challenges associated with climate change were not peculiar to Zimbabwe, but were rather common in different parts of the world.
“It is crucial to recognise that solutions to the problems are not bound by administrative boundaries, hence the idea of ‘partnerships and cooperation’ becomes important as it creates a platform to share different perspectives, bridge gaps and ensure inclusivity in water resources management,” he said.
The 8th India Water Week is a reflection towards strides to attain Sustainable Development Goal number 6 which entails the sustainable management of water and sanitation for all and also aligns Vision 2030 of achieving an upper middle-income society economy status by 2030.
Haritatos highlighted the similar water shortages that both India and Zimbabwe suffer, to the detriment of their social and economic development.
“Zimbabwe and India share common challenges in water management. Both countries face significant water scarcity issues, which affect agriculture productivity, public health, and overall economic challenges,” he said.
