Cabinet approves deal to sell water to SA
CABINET has approved a proposal for the multimillion water treatment plant in Beitbridge to sell water to Musina in South Africa to improve water resources and cooperation governance between the two countries.
Musina has perennially been dogged by water woes, resulting in the South Africans approaching Zimbabwe for a rescue package.
Beitbridge now has a decent water supply.
Beitbridge and Musina towns share a number of cross cutting challenges that come with their geographical location next to Sadc’s largest land border post along one of Africa’s biggest trade corridors.
Daily, the two councils host close to 15 000 people in transit who are expected to get a number of services.
Both towns, which are like identical twins, share challenges with managing pandemics and public health, water, sewer and roads infrastructure, among other amenities.
Whatever happens in Musina in terms of health or social challenges has a spill over effect on Beitbridge and vice versa.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, confirmed the latest development after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
“Cabinet approved the amendment to the agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Zimbabwe on the supply of treated water from the Beitbridge water treatment works in Zimbabwe to Musina town, which was presented by the Minister of Skills Audit, Professor Paul Mavima, as the Acting Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs,” he said.
“The agreement will facilitate the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina town in the Republic of South Africa at agreed terms and conditions and provide a framework for any such arrangements amongst the designated competent authorities.
“Benefits of this agreement include the following; improved water resources cooperation and governance, and improved livelihoods from the people of Zimbabwe due to the generation of the much needed foreign currency.”
Dr Muswere said the deal would result in strengthened relations and cooperation with South Africa.
It would enhance the prevention of significant harm in the two countries through joint efforts in management of water resources of the Limpopo River.
Dr Muswere said Beitbridge town’s water management was set to greatly improve considering that it will get the much needed foreign currency from the supply of water to Musina.
“Under the agreement there will be equitable and reasonable use of transboundary water resources,” he said.
The development comes a few months following the signing of a memorandum of understanding by Musina and Beitbridge to have a twinning arrangement.
The move paves way for the two councils to cooperate on a number of areas that will stir economic development on both sides of the border.
Beitbridge town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said recently that the MoU covers a number of areas they need to cooperate and share ideas on.
“You will note; we are only separated by the Limpopo River, but we share common challenges,” he said.
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