SADC Action Plan

The Regional Water Policy and Strategy is to be implemented through a series of short-term water sector programs via the Regional Strategic Action Plan (RSAP).

RSAP 1 was implemented over the period 1999–2004 (SADC 2005a), to establish an enabling environment for the integrated management of water resources in the region, in support of the achievement of other regional objectives. SADC implemented 31 of the 44 projects (see Table 1) in the categories of:

  • Legislation, Policy and Strategic Planning
  • Capacity Building and Training
  • Awareness Creation, Consultation and Public Participation
  • Information Collection, Analysis, Management and Dissemination and Improved National and Transboundary River Basin
  • Management, Planning and Co-ordination
  • Infrastructure Investment
  • Stand Alone – Special Priority Areas

Implementation of RSAP 1 clearly demonstrated that international cooperation is possible in the management of scarce resources. A good example is the revision and ratification of the Protocol on Shared Watercourses (1995–2003) which provided a framework within which to reach more detailed agreements such as the Incomaputo Agreement. Another good example of international cooperation is the preparation of the Regional Water Policy. RSAP 1 furthermore revealed that local communities can be mobilised and can have an impact on water resources planning.

RSAP 2 (2005–2010) is the current implementation plan, and focuses on water and development through projects and initiatives in four strategic clusters (SADC 2005b):

  • Regional Water Resources management, planning and development (assessment, monitoring, planning, operation)
  • Infrastructure Development Support (Regional Strategic Water Infrastructure Development Programme (RSWIDP); over
  • 140 projects assessed – 38% in bulk water supply, dams, transfers, and hydropower (Ramoeli 2006 and SADC 2006b)
  • Water Governance (implementation of Protocol, stakeholder participation, implementation of policy and strategy)
  • Capacity Building (skills training, academic IWRM training and research, support to WD, strengthening RBOs)
Technical study tours are an effective means of capacity development at the institutional level. Source: Vogel 2010

TECHNICAL STUDY TOURS ARE AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AT THE INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL.
SOURCE: VOGEL 2010

Projects within the Regional Strategic Action Program 1 and 2.

Cluster Name RSAP 2 Project Ref. Project Title
(project #) RSAP 1 RSAP 2
Regional Water Resources Planning and Management RWR 1 15 Expansion of SADC-HYCOS Project

18 Upgrade and Modernise Water Monitoring Systems for Lake Malawi

19 Rehabilitation of Joint Monitoring Systems – Angola and Namibia

Consolidation and expansion of SADC-HYCOS
RWR 2 14 Assessment of Surface Water Resources Standards assessment of surface water resources
RWR 3 6 Groundwater Management Programme in SADC Groundwater Management Programme in SADC
RWR 4 12 Economic Accounting of Water Use Support of Strategic and integrated Water Resources Planning
RWR 5 2 Regional Guidelines for Dam Safety Legislation and Procedures Dam Safety, Synchronisation and Emerging operations
Infrastructure Development Support INF 1 13 Study for Expanding Private Sector Participation in Water and Sanitation Services

27 Control and Development of Lake Malawi and Shire River

28 Study of the Navigability of the Zambezi and Shire Rivers

29 Stabilisation of the Course of the Songwe River

30 Lower Orange River

Regional Strategic Water Infrastructure Programme
INF 2 5 Programme on Water Supply and Sanitation for SADC Region Implementation of the Water Supply and Sanitation Programme for SADC
Water Governance WG 1 8 Implementation Programme for SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses

30 Lower Orange River

31 Integrated Basin Management Plan for the Okavango River

Implementation Programme for SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses
WG 2 4 Consultative Forum on Water Issues

20 Awareness-Building for Decision-Makers

21 Involving the Media in Water Issues

24 Promotion of Stakeholder Participation in Water Resources Management

25 Feasibility Study for Creating Fund to Support NGO/CBO Participation in Water Resources Management Activities

26 Programme on Means to Empower Women in Water Issues

Promotion of public participation in water resource development and management
WG 3 1 Regional Guidelines for Review and Formulation of National Water Legislation Promotion of Implementation of Regional Water Policy and Strategy
9 Regional Guidelines for Water Policy and Review in Member-States

10 Develop and implement National Water Sector Strategies

11 Establish Regional Water Sector Policy and Strategy

Capacity Building CB 1 22 Human Resources Development Programme

17 Training in Surveying, Mapping and Geographic Information Systems

Skills training for water policymakers, managers and practitioners
CB 2 23 WATERNET WATERNET
CB 3 7 WSCU Capacity Building Project Capacity Building Support to the SADC Water Division
CB 4 3 Capacity Building for Joint Integrated Basin Management Strengthening River Basin Organisations
CB 5 WARFSA Regional Water Research Fund
Total No. of Projects 15

SADC is currently reviewing RSAP 2 and has initiated the first stages of planning for RSAP 3.

To learn more about the Regional Strategic Action Programs, please refer to the SADC website.

Current ongoing initiatives.

LIMCOM's current ongoing interventions being undertaken