Joint Research Centre. NEPAD Southern Africa Water Centres of Excellence. Botswana Country Workshop. April 16-18, 2013 BOTSWANA FINAL REPORT

Transcription

1 Joint Research Centre NEPAD Southern Africa Water Centres of Excellence Botswana Country Workshop April 16-18, 2013 BOTSWANA FINAL REPORT The participants at the Country Workshop The participants visiting the Field Site Page 1 of 33

2 Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION Context Objectives of the workshop Participation Logistics Country Workshop Schedule of Activities WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS Opening Ceremony Introduction of the Project and Results to date Country Water Resources Profile [CWRP] Inputs From Other Actors/Stakeholders NGOs involved the Water Sector of Botswana Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute collaboration on Water Issues in Botswana Media Dissemination of Results Botswana Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) Aquaknow and Water Project Toolkit Aquaknow Water Project Toolkit Draft Press Release Field visit Information about and Briefing at the Site Site Situation Assessment Recommended Relative Timing of Next Site Activities Next tasks and conclusions... Error! Bookmark not defined. Page 2 of 33

3 4. List of REPORT APPENDICES Page 3 of 33

4 Executive summary The 2 nd Country workshop of NEPAD Centres of Excellence (COEs) in water was conducted at the University of Botswana and graced by various stakeholders; including government departments, parastatals, academics, media, private sector and NGOs. The University of Botswana (UB) particularly the Department of Environmental Science (DES) is committed to supporting regional initiatives that are geared towards improving the welfare of Batswana through research and capacity building initiatives. The Network of CoEs in water was initiated by DES through Professor B.P. Parida (July 2007).This was through an invitation by Mr Jean-Marie Fritsch of the French s Research Institute for Development (IRD) for Southern Africa, and Water Resources Commission (WRC) of South Africa, responding to a call by NEPAD Science and Technology, for identification of potential African COEs in the area of freshwater in the region and Africa. In 2008 submissions were evaluated by a committee comprising of the IRD and WRC, at the Faculty of Science, UB. Finally, in April 2009, the following institutions were selected as members of COEs to constitute a steering committee: 4 institutions from South Africa [(Stellenbosch University, University of KwaZulu Natal, University of the Western Cape, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)], University of Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, and Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique. Stellenbosch University was selected as the coordinating institution (Hub) for the NEPAD Southern Africa Network of Water Centres of Excellence (SANWATCE). The main purpose of this network is designed to assist the water sectors in SADC (through research and development) to help implement the decision of the African Minister s Council on Water (AMCOW) and the African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology (AMCOST) policies taken in In addition one of the Network mandates is to facilitate partnerships among the region s water sector stakeholders, and to undertake applied research; training, capacity building and developing network actions among research institutions across the water sectors within the SADC region. Water is a key resource to Botswana s development as well as other countries in the SADC region. Botswana receives an average of 450 mm of annual rainfall as compared to more than 2000 mm which is lost through evaporation. While on the other hand, rivers only flow for days in a year, which results in limited inflows into reservoirs. To that end, water resources/demand management has been identified as one of the key strategic areas in the country s Science and Technology, as well as in the University s research strategy. While there is a global focus on Climate Change and its impacts on the livelihood as one of the major challenges, the UN-WATER (unwater.org) recognises that climate change adaptation is principally about better water management. The UN-WATER strongly believes that without improved water resources management, the progress towards poverty reduction (or poverty eradication in the case of Botswana s view point), the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development (economic, social or environmental) will be jeopardised. The workshop was able to come up with suggestions for formulating appropriate strategies for improved water resources management with deliberations that will help the country in implementing the Water Sector Reform strategy, which is premised on the integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach. UB supports research on key issues of national interest, including water through the Office of Research and Development (ORD), where researchers are encouraged to develop proposals and submit for Page 4 of 33

5 funding. The research priority areas include: Economic diversification and entrepreneurship, Environmental Systems and Natural Resources Management, Minerals, Water and Energy, amongst others. Moreover, the university encourages collaborative research with the government, parastatals, private sector and NGOs. To buttress this assertion the university is part of the SANWATCE network, as well as part of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) project, which is financially supported by the European Commission. Key stakeholders who participated were the Department of Water Affairs (DWA), Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS). These institutions, together with the University of Botswana, were also instrumental in leading the development of Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Efficiency (IWRM-WE) Plans and participating in the development of the draft national water policy, with the help of regional partners such as Global Water Partnership-Southern Africa and the SADC Water Division. Finally UB successfully hosted a regional workshop in June 2012 as part of the EC project, whose main aim was to identify skills and gaps in the water sector in the region. Therefore this country workshop further provided solutions towards filling the identified gaps for improved water management in Botswana. Page 5 of 33

6 1. INTRODUCTION The University of Botswana [UB], organised this Country Workshop event which was held at the University of Botswana in Gaborone Botswana from 16 to 18 April UB is one of the eight current members of the African Union/NEPAD Network of Southern African Water Centres of Excellence. This workshop is one of five such workshops being held in Southern Africa as part of a project sponsored by the European Commission s (EC) Joint Research Centre to help get the network off the ground and establish itself with interactive and joint network member activities at a relatively formative stake in the development of the network in the region. The support of the JRC in supporting this activity is herein acknowledged. 1.1 CONTEXT In the past decades the EU has developed a wide cooperation network through Aid, Development Cooperation and Technical and Scientific Cooperation. By adopting in 2002 the Communication on water management in developing countries, a paper setting out EU priorities for development cooperation on water, the EC recognised the crucial role of water resources management for sustainable development. The management of water resources is fundamental to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for which the European Union (EU) has undertaken many commitments to help accelerate progress in reaching these ambitious targets. In 2011, the EC through the Joint Research Centre (JRC) funded a support project to the AU/NEPAD Network of Water Centres of Excellence in Southern Africa [SANWATCE] to help improve the impact of African research and development on the water resources sector and enable Africa to benefit from the diversity of institutions and programmes available across the continent. Fostering this south to south capacity development has as an aim of strengthening the link between policy and research and higher education. This workshop is the second of a series of project workshops that will be held in April and May 2013 in five southern African countries whose members belong to the Southern Africa Network of Water Centres of Excellence. 1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP The objectives of the country workshops being held in each of the five countries are: (i) (ii) bring together key representatives of the country s water-related institutions (government, NGOs, civil society, industry, education, ICP/donor to assess and update research and development (R&D) capacity gaps in the country s water sector suggest resources / tools that could help address these gaps, and Page 6 of 33

7 (iii) explore any existing and new learning that may suggest a potential way forward by addressing, for example, important local water resources issues. 1.3 PARTICIPATION The participants who attended the Botswana Country Workshop [Appendix 1] included representatives from the following institutions: 1. Ministry of Minerals Energy and Water Resources Department of Water Affairs, Water Utilities Corporation 2. Ministry of Environment Wildlife and Tourism Department of Environmental Affairs 3. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Project/Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) 4. Botswana Meat Commission 5. Botswana Press Agency [BOPA] 6. Media Institute of Southern Africa -Botswana 7. Department of Environmental Science, UB 8. Faculty of Engineering and Technology, UB 9. Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute 10. University of Malawi 11. South Africa Council for Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 12. Southern Africa Water Centres of Excellence [HUB, CSIR and University of Botswana] 1.4 LOGISTICS The workshop was held in Gaborone, Botswana from the 16 to 18 April 2013 at the University of Botswana. The JRC project supported the participation of the representatives of the Southern African Network of Water Centres of Excellence and related Botswana stakeholders and research institutions. The host of the workshop was the University of Botswana. Page 7 of 33

8 1.5 COUNTRY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES The three day schedule for the country workshop is in Figure 1. JRC Project JLP 1.5 SANWATC E COUNTRY WORKSHOP DAILY ACTIVITIES THEME 1 Exchange/Share 2 GAPS -Identify/Fill- Field Trip 3 Site Suggestions / Action Plan TIME TOPIC BY TOPIC BY TOPIC BY 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 1 Registration Local Staff Registration Local Staff Formal Welcome / Introductions / Keynote 10:00 Group Photo and Break Coordinator Rapporteur - Perspectives Gaps - Identify, Prioiritize, Design to Fill Coordinato r 17 Groups 18 Logistics and arrangements for people departing Summary of Site Issues Working Groups - Site Solution Suggestions; Links to WPT 10:30 Project Intro & Results 2 11:00 to Date-Part 1 Project Break-while summarzing Break-while summarzing Authors 11: : :30 13:00 13:30 5 Results to Date-Part2 Summary Media - Means & Examples Country Profile Presentation 12 Local Media 13 Plenary- Gaps [all groups] DRAFT PRESS RELEASE ALL 19 Coordinato r 20 Site Solution[s] - Summary Workshop Evaluation Form LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH Host 14 Field Trip Brief / Info Pack Site Staff Workshop Summary [Actions, Resources, Champions] Groups within plenary Local Staff Coordinator Groups Groups Local Staff 14:00 4 invited Inputs 21 [@15min - Govt, 6 Authors 14:30 NGO, Industry, Plenary Agriculture] Field Trip: Key 15:00 Break Local / Country Local & End of formal sessions - Mini Break 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19: AquaKnow [AK], EUWI Water Project Toolkit [WPT] Overview Application of WPT Concepts within a Local setting CSIR Groups 15 Gaps / Issues; Identify Links to WPT Issues; Shared learning via AK platform. Facility Staff, Coordinato r 22 Most Depart. Report Team working. Networking and Break before Dinner Break Break Dinner Mtg [Guest Speaker] 21:30 Return to Hotels Local Staff 16 Free Evening or Opportunity to attend Local Cultural Event or Setting Figure 1. Schedule of Activities Local Staff FREE EVENING Groups CW Report Team Page 8 of 33

9 2. WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS Figure 1 presented the layout of workshop activities with its various designated exchange sessions and Daily activities. The first day had eight sessions whose main purpose was to share knowledge for cross fertilization of ideas on water policy regimes and exchange strategies to solve problems on water issues. The second day with its six sessions identified country gaps in terms of research and capacity and to introduce a representative water situation at the field site visited. On the third day among its six sessions, wrapped up ideas and thinking arising from the prior two days and brought together that energy and oversight into concrete suggestions and pathways forward. For the field site, the outcome was to identify actions to take within the context of the six different policy principle areas so that the relevant stakeholders could assist in the design and implementation of more sustainable solutions for the site s water challenges. For the Water Centre of Excellence, the participants were divided into focus groups, discussed and clarified future pathways, directions and actions of the Centres of Excellence whose goals are carrying out research and high-level educational activities for sustainable water management at regional, national and municipal level. The appendices of the report reflect the contents and provide more details of the country workshop. Appendix 1 is the list of participants. Appendix 2 is the opening ceremony materials. Appendix 3 contains the Country Water Resources profile [CWRP]. Appendix 4 has the presentation materials and feedback records from the individual sessions. Appendix 5 documents the activities of the workshop in photographs. 2.1 OPENING CEREMONY The official opening of the workshop was done by the University of Botswana, Deputy Dean Faculty of Science Prof. B.M. Moseki. Welcoming remarks were provided by Dr P.K. Kenabatho from the SANWATCE Node in Botswana. The opening ceremony comprised the following presentations [which are included in Appendix 2]: - Deputy Dean Faculty of Science, University of Botswana: - Prof B.M. Moseki Prof Moseki gave a background of how the University of Botswana was involved in SANWATCE. He also reiterated the commitment the University has in supporting SANWATCE through the participation of the Department of Environmental Science. He stated that the workshop was coming at an opportune time when water management strategies in a semi- arid country like Botswana with limited seasonal rainfall are earnestly required. In his closing remarks, he challenged the workshop participants to find lasting solutions by coming up with ways that will help address the skills gap within the water sector in Botswana in order to improve water management. Thereafter he declared the workshop officially opened. The participants had a group photo at the end of the official opening ceremony (Figure 2). Page 9 of 33

10 Figure 2. Official opening ceremony photograph 2.2 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT AND RESULTS TO DATE Dr P.K. Kenabatho gave an overview of the SANWATCE, including the activities undertaken so far. He mentioned that the SANWATCE network is currently undertaking a project funded by the European Commission s Joint Research Centre. The project is aimed at identifying research and capacity gaps in the water sectors in the region, and finding ways in which these gaps can be filled. That project involves 2 main tasks with a total of 13 components. One main task is related to Joint Learning and the other main task is related to Knowledge Management. To undertake the work, all the seven network members who are part of the project contribute to each of the component s design and implementation actions while the network HUB (the Stellenbosch University of South Africa) coordinated the actions for each of the components. Page 10 of 33

11 The 2 project tasks and 13 components and the coordinating entities for the task components are as follows: Number Project Topic Coordinating Entity TASK 1 - JOINT LEARNING 1.1 &1.2: Research / Capacity Gaps Stellenbosch University 1.3 : Capacity Development University Western Cape 1.4 Regional Planning Workshop University of Botswana 1.5 Country Workshops Design CSIR 1.6 Country Workshops Each Country Member 1.7 Country Workshop Reporting HUB 1.8 Regular / Final Reporting to Client[s] HUB TASK 2 - KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT 2.1: Knowledge Management University Western Cape in cooperation with Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique 2.2 Dissemination Means & Materials University of Zambia 2.3 Pertinent Water Course Materials HUB [Subcontractor] 2.4 International Workshop University of Malawi 2.5 E-Conference Stellenbosch University The ones shown in bold italics are already essentially completed and most of those results are available on the Aquaknow Web Site under the SANWATCE folders projects. Some of the main achievements so far include: - A study that identified key skills gap in the region o o o Research gaps in the region were mainly in irrigation, climate change assessment, water resources modelling, economic development, waste water, floods and hydrogeology, among others. There are public universities in each SADC country offering water-related degrees/courses, with a about twenty five (25) accredited training providers in SADC The following were some of the proposed ways of addressing the skills gaps in the region: Public awareness Cooperation towards development of new courses aligned with skills shortages. Funding to stimulate more research outputs. Promote FET courses to fill artisans gaps (not only degree courses) Page 11 of 33

12 - Hosting of a regional workshop in 2012 (University of Botswana) o o o The workshop s aim was to bring key stakeholders in the region to further discuss the issue of skills gap in the region and to refine the priority areas for SANWATCE, and how it can work with existing networks in the region. The potential role identified for SANWATCE include contribution to high-end research and development (R&D) at PhD level, to complement WATERnet srole which is mainly to involve capacity building at Masters level. The workshop also offered opportunities to discuss ways in which the country workshops should be undertaken. - Development of a business plan which spells out clearly how SANWATCE will be managed and sustained. o o o SANWATCE will have a governing structure to provide strategic direction and a secretariat which will support the governance structure The business plan also provides potential areas/opportunities where resources can be sought It shows the vision, mission and objectives of SANWATCE - Participation in an international workshop to exchange experience in water resources management (Italy, 2012) o o o o The workshop was hosted by the EU JRC in Italy It was attended by researchers and key stakeholders from China, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Presentations were made by researchers from these continents to share knowledge and experience in water resources management Proceedings from this workshop is expected soon Progress reports that provide detailed information on the above activities and other achievements can be found from the project website ( and AQUAKNOW ( Page 12 of 33

13 2.3 COUNTRY WATER RESOURCES PROFILE [CWRP]: BY PROF B.P. PARIDA AND DR. P.K. KENABATHO As part of the country workshops requirement, Botswana team presented a country water resources profile (CWRP) which gives an overview on the status of water resources in the country. The main aim of the CWRP is to highlight important issues around the water sector in Botswana, including some challenges and opportunities facing the sector and how the centres of excellence can contribute to improve the situation in the sector. Prof. B.P. Parida and Dr P.K. Kenabatho jointly presented the CWRP.. The full CWRP report is attached as Annex 3, only the main issues are highlighted below: Important findings were that the water sector is undergoing a restructuring and institutional re-arrangement to streamline water resources management and supply with the aim of increasing efficiency, accountability and providing an enabling environment through policy formulation. However, there are some challenges observed bordering on skills gap in the sector, and the challenges of water losses in the reticulation systems as well as lack of additional dam site to increase water supply beyond the existing dams. Other challenges include the need to use shared waters to meet the growing water demand as well as challenges due to climate change effects on water resources. Through the evaluation of the Government of Botswana National Water Master Plan for water reforms (SMEC and EHES, 2006), the water sector skills and capacity gaps were reviewed. The sectors reviewed include the Department of Water Affairs (DWA), Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), Department of Geological Survey (DGS), District Councils and Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control (DWMPC). These were the institutions that were responsible for different aspect of water supply and development before the current institutional arrangement. In its review, the Master Plan recommended that although there is need for institutional transformation and re-arrangement, the skills identified will still be needed irrespective of these reforms. These include, among others: contract management and supervision, environmental assessment, groundwater and hydrogeological modelling, civil engineering computing and software development, maintenance planning and scheduling, telemetry, Information technology (system development and applications), basic survey techniques, as well as human resources planning and management skills. During the discussion time, participants reflected on the identified skills gap for the water sector, suggested that in addition to the current water sector reforms which include among others, change of mandate and roles, institutional arrangement, there is need to incorporate other skills within the water sector. These may include legal skills with expertise in water issues, including international water laws, trans-boundary water laws and legislation. This may also include training people on negotiation and diplomatic skills, international relations in order to position the country for exploring shared water resources. Policy development and analysis experts who will be Page 13 of 33

14 instrumental during policy formulation and reviews. Hydrology and water resources engineers at PhD levels, particularly within the DWA s new structure. Furthermore, there is need to provide training opportunities on integrated water resources management (IWRM) at Masters level in order to build a culture of incorporating environmental and socio-economic issues in water resources management and development in line with the current global and regional trends. Furthermore, there is need for institutional collaborations/partnerships (within the different water sectors) and other sectors such as research institutions and the private sectors to begin to address emerging water issues collectively. In particular, the Water Centres of Excellence (such as universities) can provide support for emerging technologies emanating from peer reviewed research that can be packaged to benefit different aspects of water resources planning such as policy issues, among others. In addition, short courses targeting specific aspects on water can be offered by the COEs. The water utilities corporation should set up some percentage of the revenue collected from water and waste water sales in order to support research that will improve water management in the country. This is in line with international best practices and Botswana should take advantage of the transition period to set up institutions that will manage these funds, as well as setting priority areas for research. For water allocation and waste water reuse the main stakeholders are the industry, communities government (e.g. WUC) and research institutions. A comprehensive strategy of involving various levels of effort is required in the form of human resources, major equipment or instrumentation. This is to enable the criteria to gather data on who uses the water and monitors water usage (e.g. self-providers i.e. mining companies do not account for water). Furthermore there is a need to enforce effective water allocation and the monitoring of water accounting systems; as this would help in monetary evaluation and accounting for water usage. The Government of Botswana and industry is expected to provide resources and the data on water usage, while research institutions would analyse the data and make recommendations and government will follow up and enforce the water allocation policies. The immediate needs for water allocation criterion are data gathering and to establish the impact of water usage on aquifers. While for waste water reuse are i) stakeholder analysis, ii) to figure out attitude towards recycled water reuse in various socio-economic strata of the community and above all educate the general public about waste water. Regarding the dissemination of research findings, the main stakeholders identified were the media, national archives, researchers, and government agencies, and the population of water users. It was pointed out that any research done within the country has to have a research permit. The permit spells out what the researcher wants to do, the mechanism and source of funding and how the findings will be disseminated, among others. If the permit is approved, there is usually a list of institutions to which the findings have to be deposited based on Page 14 of 33

15 the purpose of the study. These usually include the national archives and records, the ministries within which the scope of research falls, and research institutions such as universities. Despite these provisions, there is still lack of coordinated archives to which researchers can access published information online. It was also learnt that most researchers avoid health related studies as the Ministry of Health has a lot of requirements for one to be issued a Research Permit bearing in mind the sensitivity of health-related issues. This may lead to research studies that are done without permits. Page 15 of 33

16 2.4 PRESENTATIONS FROM OTHER ACTORS/STAKEHOLDERS There were additional presentations, including the media, NGOs and other invited delegates as follows: NGOS INVOLVED THE WATER SECTOR OF BOTSWANA Mr Felix Monggae from Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) presented on the roles of NGOs in the water sector. KCS has over the years coordinated activities and projects on water issues. As a result, they often connect the government, society and the research communities in water issues. However, in general, the role of NGOs in the water sector is minimal, with Botswana having few NGOs dealing with water. The major challenges of NGOs are limited funding since support is from the government. NGOs promote community involvement and participatory approaches as their greatest ability and strength. KCS and Botswana Water Partnership (a chapter of Global Water Partnership-Southern Africa) played active roles in the formulation and implementation of the water sector reform process, and also in the just ended Integrated Water Resource Management and Water Efficiency (IWRM/WE) plans which was funded by the GEF/UNDP. Some of the main issues addressed in the IWRM/WE plans include: i) the promotion of water harvesting, ii) treatment and re-use of waste water, iii) water conservation, iv) introduction of drought tariffs, v) promoting and supporting transboundary river basin commissions, vi) Promoting stakeholder engagement in Water Demand Management (WDM). Furthermore KCS has maintained continuous participation in networks and collaboration with government and other sectors on three levels ; i) communities- watchdogs, water resources board, ii) researchers giving feedback to communities, iii) service providers IWRM/WE plan, fundraising SWEDISH METEOROLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL INSTITUTE COLLABORATION ON WATER ISSUES IN BOTSWANA Anna Johnell from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) presented on the hydrological operational forecasting project undertaken in Botswana. SMHI is partnering with the Government of Botswana through the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in this study. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to development, welfare, health and social life in Botswana by enhancing the capability of the Department of Water Affairs to provide better hydrological monitoring and forecasting services for community planning, safety and protection of the environment. The DWA provides weekly reports of the hydrological situations, i.e. discharge and stream flow. The project comes at a good time when Botswana is implementing water sector reforms. SMHI also indicated that they have been partnering with the Botswana s Department of Meteorological Services (DMS) for five years. Partner organizations are being trained and mentored by SMHI to perform hydrological data transformation. The aim is to transfer skills to local officers in these partnerships.. These partnerships also seek to establish areas of mutual interests and benefits while working towards a common goal. Page 16 of 33

17 The flood forecasting project aims to i) develop forecasting routines like early warning, ii) data management and analysis, with the aim of creating an efficient exchange of data between DWA and other relevant departments such as Department of Meteorological Services, iii) hydrological forecasting performance training in hydrological modelling for operational applications. The activities involved currently are; i) evaluation of hydrological models for runoff forecasting ii) Exchange visits between SMHI and DWA where officers in Botswana visit in Sweden to gain more understanding on how forecasting and warning issues are carried out in Sweden so as to gather ideas, appreciate and comprehend its applicability with the case of Botswana PRESENTATION BY THE MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA, BOTSWANA CHAPTER (MISA-BOTSWANA) Media Institute of Southern Africa Botswana (MISA) was represented by the National Director Mr Buyani Zongwani who presented an overview of the role that print media play with regards to reporting on water issues. The sample topics reported were taken from one media house (Mmegi, which is one of the largest daily newspapers in Botswana). The analysis covered issues reported for the last 2½ years. The presenter found out that water issues were mainly covering the following news categories; policy issues (8 stories), awareness and public participation (3 stories), water allocation (3 stories) and water usage (more than 30 stories), infrastructure development (6 stories) pollution and health issues (4 stories), and water related conflicts (3 stories). These reports make water to be among the most reported subjects in Botswana media, both positive and negative stories. It was learnt that the media advocates for organisations to have better communication strategies such as having a communication plan, consistent and persistent updates to the public about water crisis scenarios in Botswana. MISA suggested the following steps could be utilized; i) a communication strategy: so that news are more accessible, ii) a communication plan: to disseminate information through the internet, radio, press conferences, breakfast meetings and workshops with journalists. These suggestions are supported by a nearly enacted legal framework on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill which specifies that all bodies with information should disseminate information willingly within a reasonable time frame. However the greatest challenge faced by the media is the rejection of the FOI Bill by parliament. The FOI Bill is meant to allow access to information; it focuses on the duty not to interfere with the free flow of information while it also places a duty upon public authorities to give information to any person. It is in everybody s interest that it passes since the Bill is not for journalists but for everybody to have access to the information they require. On the other hand the Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) Bill stipulates only two types of broadcasting in Botswana; government owned and registered private media houses, but not the community at large. That is a great challenge as these bodies (BOCRA) are limiting the licensing of community stations especially in water issues where community based broadcasting services could be a good way to disseminate information in time. Page 17 of 33

18 2.4.4 BOTSWANA WATER UTILITIES CORPORATION (WUC) Mr Lesego Morris Raditsebe presented on water sector reforms in Botswana. The main objectives of these reforms are to extend water and wastewater services to most parts of Botswana by the year Furthermore the reforms seek to provide sustainable, cost effective, efficient water and wastewater services to all Batswana. More detailed discussions related to the Water Utilities Corporation issues were discussed during Session 11. The summary of that feedback from the group suggestions was as follows: There was a need to identify resources necessary to come up with solutions to water accessibility and infrastructure (long term and short term). Also to consider the cost and time of the project, source of funding (government or donors); however the country has to be self-sufficient rather than rely on donor aid which may compromise the likelihood of the commissioning of most projects. Feedback concerns also discussed about the importance of avoiding duplication of efforts but rather partnership and co-operation on key issues. Challenges were categorized into three groups: training education, policy and implementation to address demand management. 1. The policy issues were as follows: billing, harmonization of tariffs, non-cost reflective tariffs, and public stand pipes, land servicing, water pricing policy, catchment management problems, non-revenue water expertise, water supply to un-gazetted areas. 2. While on training/awareness the challenges identified were related to: human resources issues, declining ground water levels, catchment management problems, drought, loss of institutional memory, spatial information specialists (GIS), and soft skills for skilled professionals. 3. Policy implementation issues focused on: catchment management problems, and trans-boundary water resources. The feedback discussions also identified the major stakeholders in the implementation of water reforms and these were as follows: Water Utilities Corporation. KCS and other NGOs. The University of Botswana, including the Okavango Research Institute. Government ministries; Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Wildlife and Tourism, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Water Resources Board. Farmers associations. Parliamentary Committees. Councils: local authorities. Page 18 of 33

19 The best implementation approach is a phased approach for policy making. The Government of Botswana will provide funding through the ministerial committees, via relevant departments. The water centres of excellence such as SANWATCE were identified as networks that can play a role in improving water resources management. However, they were advised to develop strategies that they can use to access funds (i.e. through business plans, proposal writing, among others) as well as establish linkages with relevant government departments, the private sector and NGOs. 2.5 AQUAKNOW AND WATER PROJECT TOOLKIT PRESENTATIONS Dr Keith Kennedy facilitated presentations on AquaKnow and the Water Project ToolKit (EUWI, 2011). He explained that the two tools are supplied at no cost by the European Commission both of which are aimed at supporting the planning, implementation and dissemination of water related projects and programmes AQUAKNOW AquaKnow [ is a collaborative workspace and content management system dedicated to technical and scientific knowledge to increase sustainability in the water sector. Knowledge management and capacity building are key elements in sustainable water management policies. AquaKnow is a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge on water sector related issues with a space for gathering and providing dynamic tools to manage scientific and technical information. These tools provide a powerful means of sharing documents, data, information, ideas, experiences, and of finding help and working with other stakeholders involved in the water sector. Project results to date can be found on this platform. The platform is designed for experts and practitioners of the institutions involved in the water sector such as governmental and non-governmental organisations, universities and research centres, international organisations, the private sector, water utilities, basin agencies, etc. It is built on the two axes o Knowledge Management and Building a Community. The Knowledge Management part has the following sections [News, Events, Library (where information is stored in various document formats or links), Capacity Building and Tools and Data. These sections are populated by and directly updated by users and members. The Building a community part uses interactive and user-friendly tools that facilitate distance working and help to network users through improved online exchanges. The 'Working Groups' section is a specific space for developing collaborative work. Aquaknow was based on realizing: the increasing importance of knowledge as a factor in transforming Sector Performance, the opportunities available through advances in information technology and creating an improved context for more common alignment to universal goals and optimizing aid efficiency. Page 19 of 33

20 2.5.2 WATER PROJECT TOOLKIT The Water Project Toolkit (WTK) [ is a support tool for project managers and water sector practitioners in developing countries. It helps in defining, implementing and evaluating water sector development projects. More specifically it is: An operational framework centred on policy principles at programme and project level to reflect the wider range of issues for effective Water Resource Management centred around five key steps for successful Project Cycle Management (PCM) promoting a questioning mode of project development sensitive to local contexts and user needs supportive of practical implementation of six policy principle areas being: [social, economic and financial, technical, information, education and communication, environmental, institutional and management]. The aim of the WTK is to extend the health-giving and productive properties of freshwater resources equitably, efficiently and sustainably. It is intended for use by a wide range of stakeholders such as governments, the private sector including service providers, stakeholders in civil society, research, academia and other higher education institutions, as well as international organisations involved in development of water resources management. Page 20 of 33

21 2.6 DRAFT PRESS RELEASE The following was released to the press to indicate some of the issues discussed and suggested during the workshop. NEPAD SOUTHERN AFRICA NETWORK OF WATER CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE WATER GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP TUESDAY 16 TH to 18 TH APRIL 2013 GABORONE, BOTSWANA The University of Botswana hosted the 2 nd country workshop to share knowledge on various issues of water development, utilisation and management in Botswana and the Southern African region. The workshop was organised under the auspices of the Southern African Network of Water Centres of Excellence (SANWATCE), which is an initiative of the New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD).The Network was established 2009 after the first African Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology in It currently comprises four (4) institutions from South Africa (Stellenbosch University, University of KwaZulu Natal, University of Western Cape, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Universities of Namibia, Zambia, Eduardo Mondlane, Malawi, and Botswana. The main purpose of this network is designed to assist the water sectors in SADC (through research and development) to help implement the decision of the African Minister s Council on Water (AMCOW) and the African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology (AMCOST) policies taken in Furthermore one of the Network mandates is to facilitate partnerships among the region s water sector stakeholders, and to undertake applied research; training, capacity building and developing network actions among research institutions across the water sectors within the SADC region. Water is a key resource to Botswana s development as well as other countries in the SADC region. Botswana receives an average of 450 mm of annual rainfall as compared to more than 2000 mm which is lost through evaporation. While on the other hand, rivers only flow for days in a year, which results in limited inflows into reservoirs. To that end, water resources/demand management has been identified as one of the key strategic areas in the country s Science and Technology, as well as in the University s research strategy. UN-WATER (unwater.org) recognises that climate change adaptation is principally about better water management. The UN-WATER strongly believes that without improved water resources management, the progress towards poverty reduction/eradication, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development (economic, social or environmental) will be jeopardised. The workshop was able to come up with suggestions for formulating appropriate strategies for improved water resources management. These include addressing critical areas where there are skills gaps such as in contract management and supervision, environmental assessment, groundwater and hydrogeological modelling, civil engineering computing and software development, maintenance planning and scheduling, telemetry, Information technology, basic survey techniques, among others; developing strategies that will reduce water losses within the reticulation and water transfer systems; partnering with regional research institutions such as SANWATCE to take advantage their vast and relevant expertise in research on water isues across the region. These will l help the country in implementing the Water Sector Reform strategy, which is premised on the integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach. The workshop learnt that UB, as a member of SANWATCE supports research on key issues of national interest, including water through the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the research priority areas include: Economic diversification and entrepreneurship, Environmental Systems and Natural Resources Management, Minerals, Water and Energy, amongst others. Moreover, the university encourages collaborative research with the government, parastatals, private sector and NGOs. To buttress this assertion the university is part of the SANWATCE network, as well as part of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) project, which is financially supported by the European Commission. Key stakeholders who participated were the Department of Water Affairs (DWA), Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS). These institutions, together with the University of Botswana, were also instrumental in leading the development of Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Efficiency (IWRM-WE) Plans and participating in the development of the draft national water policy, with the help of regional partners such as Global Water Partnership-Southern Africa and the SADC Water Division. The country workshop comes Page 21 of 33

22 after a regional workshop hosted by UB in June 2012 as part of the EC project, whose main aim was to identify skills and gaps in the water sector in the region. Therefore the country workshop further provided solutions towards filling the identified gaps for improved water management in Botswana CONTACT PERSON Dr. P.K. Kenabatho, University of Botswana, Department of Environmental Science, P. Bag UB Gaborone, Botswana Kenabatho@mopipi.bw; ( or ), April Page 22 of 33

23 2.7 FIELD VISIT As part of the programme, The field visit took place with a group of about 12 persons on the afternoon of Day 2 of the workshop. The site conditions themselves were explained at the site by the Gaborone Dam Site Manager INFORMATION ABOUT THE DAM AND TOURING OF THE DAM An overview of the site conditions was explained by Mr Kebakuile from WUC and the materials related to the site for that presentation are in the Session 14 materials [Appendix 4]. Figure 3 shows the location map of Gaborone dam catchment and a satellite picture showing some small dams within the catchment and Figure 4 shows the spillways when the Gaborone dam was full Figure 3: Location map of Gaborone dam (left), and a satellite picture (right) showing small dams (in circles) at the upstream of the catchment. JRC / SANWATCE Project Country Workshops Page 23 of 33

24 Figure 4: One of the pictures showing an incident when Gaborone dam was full SITE SITUATION ASSESSMENT The considerations of the site were assessed in plenary the morning following the site visit. The discussion centred around identifying specific actions to be taken related to the six policy principle areas of the water project toolkit (EUWI, 2011) which are reflected in the following table (Table 1). Table 1: The six policy principles of Water Project Toolkit were used to guide the discussion on the dam situation ISSUES Social Livelihoods up- and downstream Informal brick moulding Sanitation Use of coal WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE Try to look at alternative ways of doing things, like formalizing the brick moulding activities and the settlement identified near the dam Social Impact Assessment include stakeholders like the public and identify activities being done around the dam catchment Find the drivers behind people settling in the catchment areas- Is the availability of water, land, weak legislation and lack of access to resources otherwise? Balance land use or land rights JRC / SANWATCE Project Country Workshops Page 24 of 33

25 Economic Economic benefit of agriculture Other alternative use Technical Pollution of water Land degradation upstream (sedimentation) Training on technical issues (capacity development) include economic value of water Information and communication Communication strategy needed (Do the developers upstream know of their impacts? What is the source of impacts? Channel or medium of communication Environmental Land use change and patterns Opportunity cost of upstream users Cost benefit analysis of activities upstream and having the water in the dam, that is, yields, profits, negative impacts Other alternative uses, that is, tourism (Yachting), fishing, entertainment, recreation Key stakeholder involvement such as farming agencies, communities, Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism Study on water usage upstream the dam, i.e. satellite imagery interpretation with ground truthing Demarcation of the radius or buffer zone: Distance from the dam boundary to mount boreholes pumping water from the dam A study on interaction of ground and surface water Stakeholders would include: Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), University of Botswana, GWU, Department of Tourism, Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control, non-governmental organisations, communities, business people, local authorities, estate developers Education programmes for the general public, the local people, catchment occupants and staff (Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Ministry of Mines and Energy and Water Resources) Establishment of revised water demand and management information targeting upstream and downstream users to influence water demand Establishment of continuous communication, it should be urgent and done by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and Water Resources Knowledge impartment on people to know their activities have impacts on the dam water The government should budget for implementation of the Strategy Regulation of development within the catchment area. Regulation of how much should go to industry, agriculture and settlements This should be done by the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR), Ministry or Environments, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) Feasibility study should be done on alternative land use types upstream There is a need to study the criteria for development, that is, for sensitive environment in the dam s catchment, e.g. pollution, vulnerability, maps of ground water and surface water JRC / SANWATCE Project Country Workshops Page 25 of 33

26 Institutional and Management Revise the water policy to include water quality, that is the parameters Resource mobilization to address the gaps Ministry of Health, MEWT, MMEWR, Ministry of Finance should be involved with the revision A need for a regulatory body Lack of synergies between government institutions ministry and stakeholders engagement Water demand management every drop counts (accountability) Implementation by Department of Water Affairs (DWA)/WUC/DEA RECOMMENDED RELATIVE TIMING OF NEXT SITE ACTIVITIES Three groups made of five people with diverse background sat together to determine the relative timing needed to address the issues identified in Table 1. The ranking is in terms of priority and urgency as reflected in Table 2. The ranks are in decreasing temporal order of priority from 1 8, in addressing the aspects. The colours represent the urgency of the issues to be addressed. For example, green represents right away, yellow represents soon and orange represents in the future. Table 2: The criteria used to highlight and rank issues as well as time relative time of intervention. ASPECT 1) Social TIME Ranking a. Conduct a social impact assessment of the dam that will include the dangers, and include the public to identify the activities that take place around the dam and upstream of the catchment area. 2 b. Functions of the dam in relation to opportunities that exist such as brick moulding. 2b c. Community characterization of communities living around the dam area and the drivers influencing the settlement in the catchment area d. Stakeholder analysis concerned about the dam (balancing land uses and land rights) 2b 2) Economic a. Use of dam as source of livelihoods for upstream users 2c b. Opportunity cost of the dam (Cost Benefit Analysis of dam yield and activities upstream) and other alternative such as recreation. 3) Technical a. Determination of Water Quality Status (so that remediation can be done). 2 b. Conduct a geotechnical assessment of the area in terms of hydrogeological and structural formation. 3 c. Training on technical issues that include the economic value of water 7 d. Measure radius distance demarcation around the dam so as to commission boreholes for water extraction. 8 JRC / SANWATCE Project Country Workshops Page 26 of 33 2b 2c