APA-Harare (Zimbabwe) The Zimbabwe government has approved an agreement the country supplying treated water to South Africa’s Musina town, a cabinet minister announced late Tuesday.
In a post-cabinet media briefing late Tuesday, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said cabinet approved the Agreement Between the Republic of South Africa and Republic of Zimbabwe on the Supply of Treated Water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina Town.
The agreement would facilitate the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge town in Zimbabwe to Musina town across the border on the South African side “at agreed terms and conditions and provide a framework for any such arrangements among the designated competent authorities”, the minister said.
“Benefits of this agreement include improved water resources cooperation and governance, improved livelihoods for the people of Zimbabwe due to generation of the much-needed foreign currency, (and) strengthened relations and cooperation with the Republic of South Africa,” Muswere said.
The agreement is also expected to contribute to “the prevention of significant harm in the two riparian States through joint efforts in the management of water resources of the Limpopo watercourse, improved management of water treatment, water supply and sanitation systems in Beitbridge town due to foreign currency income; and equitable and reasonable utilisation of transboundary water resources.”
Musina in South Africa’s dry Limpopo province has faced a water crisis for years, which has triggered protests as residents complain of erratic supply of the precious liquid.
Last year a week-long protest over water led to destruction of municipal property and looting of some shops owned by immigrants, with protesters accusing Musina Municipality, Vhembe District Municipality (which is responsible for water provision) and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation of failing them.
JN/APA