River Basin Councils and Authorities Proclamation (No. 534/2007).

This Proclamation, for purposes of better management of available water resources in Ethiopia, provides for the establishment, by Regulations to be issued by the Council of Ministers, of River Basins High Councils and Authorities. The overall objectives of River Basin High Councils and Authorities shall be to promote and monitor the integrated water resources management process in the river basins falling under their jurisdictions with a view to using of the basins’ water resources for the socio-economic welfare of the people in an equitable and participatory manner, and without compromising the sustainability of the aquatic ecosystems.
A Basin High Council shall, among other things: (a) provide policy guidance and planning oversight to ensure coordination among stakeholders for the implementation of integrated water resources management in the basin; (b) direct the preparation of the river basin plan and submit it for approval by the Government; and (c) examine and decide on water allocation rules and principles; and (d) manage water use disputes between Regional States in the basin. The Proclamation also defines powers and duties of Basin Authorities and Director Generals of Authorities, in particular in relation with issuing permits relating to water use and water works, river information and river basin management plans.