About Us
Through consultative and participatory processes, the SADC Water Division guides the harmonization of national policies and the implementation of activities by all stakeholders, in a region where 70 percent of the water resources are shared across national boundaries. The shared nature of this resource means water development and management is not just a national task but a regional one as well.
The Water Division falls under the Directorate for Infrastructure and Services and is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the implementation of regional water related activities in close collaboration with SADC Member States.
The Water Division consolidates water-related policy provisions found in various SADC documents and facilitates coordination on water related management issues at regional, river basin and national levels. Furthermore, the Division creates an enabling institutional environment that enhances the participation of all stakeholders.
IWRM is the fundamental approach that has been adopted by SADC and guides the Division; it is the common thread that links the elements of the regional policy.
Anchored on the common values, principles and historical and cultural affinities that exist between the peoples of Southern Africa, water plays a pivotal role in SADC’s vision of a common future. A future where the regional community enjoys economic well-being, improvement in living standards and quality of life, freedom, social justice, peace and security for the peoples of Southern Africa. The Water Division is a pivotal vehicle for implementing plans and sharing information in an effort to ensure sound water management, regional integration and development in order to assist people to rise above endemic poverty.
The Division recognizes that each Member State’s growth and development is inextricably linked with that of the continent as a whole and that water is seen as one of the major areas of cooperation and integration in SADC.