Botswana National Water Policy 2012.

This National Water Policy provides the guiding principles and policy direction for the elaboration of further National Development Plans. The Objective of the Policy is to provide a national framework that will facilitate access to water of suitable quality and standards for the Botswana citizens and provide the foundations for sustainable development of water resources in support of economic growth, diversification and poverty eradication. It represents the first step in a continual process to ensure that water is properly positioned to meet the needs of the nation and its people. In pursuit of these objectives, this Policy aims to promote the following: Protection, conservation and restoration of the nation’s water resources; Promotion of effective, sustainable management of water resources; Promotion of the equitable and efficient use of water resources; Reduction of the subsidies associated with water supply; Assurance of access and affordability of water for all; Protection and restoration of the environment; Promotion of productive uses of water. The Policy is based on three overaching principles: i) equity; ii) efficiency; and, iii) sustainability. The precautionary principle shall be adopted with water conservation measures and practices used to promote environmental sustainability, economic efficiency and social equity.
The Policy gives an analysis of the current state of the water sector. This analysis also gives due attention to the legal and institutional framework and water management and conservation embedded in the National Planning Process. The reliance on groundwater and the limited spatial distribution of surface waters creates a complex legal framework for management and development of water resources. This is further compounded by the reliance on internationally shared and transboundary waters. To safeguard national interests there is a need to compile and analyze a comprehensive list of policies and legislation relating to water on a regular basis. The international legal framework is integrated within national policy and Botswana’s laws and treaty obligations. Relevant policy documents and legislation at the national level are specified. The institutional arrangements for the sector are reflective of the Government’s decision in May 2009 to address the challenges facing the supply of water and sanitation services across the country. This includes the consolidation of all water and wastewater operations under the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), the establishment of a Water Resources Board to manage the country’s water resources, the reorganization of the Department of Water Affairs, and the establishment of an independent Regulator for water supply and sanitation services. These decisions are intended to clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountability throughout the water sector.
The main part of the Policy sets out a policy statement, objectives and strategies for general water sector development ("water for growth" and " water demand management and conservation") and for specific sectors such as domestic water supply and sanitation, water for environment and tourism, water for agriculture (irrigation, farmlands and livestock), water for mining and industry, water for energy. Other development concerns information management and dissemination, research, international cooperation and monitoring & evaluation. The Ministry Of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources shall review the National Water Policy and align it with the National Development Plan review, and, if deemed necessary the Minister shall undertake a revision process with all interested stakeholders. The Ministry shall also prepare all National Water Sector Policies and shall ensure that all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to assist in their development. Gender and social equity in accessing water resources will be ensured and, in particular, women shall be empowered to participate fully in issues and decisions relating to sustainable development and management of water resources.
As to information systems, there shall, among other things, be created a centralized clearinghouse mechanism for integration, management and dissemination of water-related data with web-based access, and be prepared a strategy to operationalize an integrated national and international forecast system that will improve the national capacity for predicting water-related disasters such as floods.