Decree No. 73/2020 merging ARA-Zambeze and ARA-Centro, as well as ARA-Centro Norte and ARA-Norte created by Decree No. 26/91 of 14 November, which become ARA-Norte, respectively, and defining the organization, operation and management regime of ARA-Sul IP, ARA-Centro IP and ARA-Norte IP.

This Decree establishes a fusion between ARA-Zambeze and ARA-Centro, as well as ARA-Centro Norte and ARA-Norte created by Decree No. 26/91 of 14 November, which become ARA-Norte, respectively, and defines the organization, operation and management regime of ARA-Sul IP, ARA-Centro IP and ARA-Norte IP. In particular, the responsibilities of ARAs are: a) management of hydrographic basins, with a focus on land use planning and water domain protection zones; b) preparation of zoning maps in close coordination with the environment sector, in the territorial planning for the standardization of the land registry; c) management and inspection of protection areas on the river, lakes, reservoirs and ponds; d) inventory of water resources and water needs for updating the National Water Resources Registry; e) collection, processing, analysis and storage of hydro-climatological data and related information; f) updating of the National Water Resources Information System; g) issuance of Licenses and Concessions for the use and exploitation of raw water, effluent discharge authorizations; h) implementation of water resources protection measures; i) definition and implementation of structural measures aimed at defending against floods and mitigating drought; j) approval and inspection of waterworks; k) technical assistance to third parties; l) promotion of sustainable use and exploitation of water resources, etc.