PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
PROPOSAL FOR PDF BLOCK B GRANT
Countries:
Regional:
GEF Operational Program
Integrated Land/Water (OP 9)
Project Title:
Protection and Strategic Uses of Groundwater Resources
in the Transboundary Limpopo Basin and Drought Prone
Areas of the SADC Region
US$ 12 Million
Co-financing partners will include: GEF (incremental costs),
French Government, Sida, riparian countries and other
cooperating partners. Proportions to be confirmed during the
PDF B phase (Indicative: GEF US$ 4 – 8 Million, Others US$
4 – 8 Million)
Total Estimated Project
Cost
Southern African Development
Community (SADC Water Sector)
River Basin / Pilot level: Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique
PDF B Co-funding sources
SIDA:
US$50,000
French Cooperation:
US$25,000
In kind contribution from SADC member states: US$50,000
PDF B Parallel Sources
French Cooperation for “Minimum Common Standards for
Groundwater Development in the SADC Region”.
On-going activities related to integrated water resources
management in the Limpopo basin, financed by riparian
countries and co-operating partners.
Implementing Agency
The World Bank
Executing Agency
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
Block A Grant Awarded
By-passed
PDF B Requested
US$ 350,000
Endorsement by GEF
Focal Points
Botswana
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Mozambique
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
Executive Summary
Groundwater is a key element for the alleviation of drought in the SADC region. Much of the
region is one of rapid population growth, extended drought periods followed by occasional
extreme flood-events and already highly-dependent on groundwater for rural water-supply.
However, policy responses to drought have in the past been based on short-term crisis actions
which have generally proved to be inefficient or ineffective. To address this undesirable situation
proactive sustainable and integrated management of groundwater resources needs to be instituted
including careful consideration of ecosystem needs.
The objective of the project is for the SADC member states to develop cooperatively a strategic
regional approach to support and enhance the capacity of its member States in the definition of
drought management policies, specifically in relation to the role, availability (magnitude and
recharge) and supply potential of groundwater resources. This will assist in reconciling the
demands for socio-economic development and those of the principal groundwater-dependent
ecosystems. Tools will be elaborated for regional cooperative management of transboundary
aquifers and to guide sustainable downstream investments in proactive drought mitigation. The
GEF support is needed to cover the incremental costs associated with regional cooperation,
capacity building and the definition and introduction of improved groundwater management
systems.
The project will be developed at two levels: the regional level and the river-basin level.
At the regional level, the project will identify transboundary impacts of groundwater development
in the various river basins of the region, identify priority groundwater drought prone areas and
provide regional management tools such as basic harmonised hydrogeological maps groundwater
drought vulnerability and water scarcity maps, a minimum regional groundwater monitoring
network and a regional groundwater information system. The tools developed will be applied
through the SADC institutional network, which is financed by the Member Countries and through
the development of a Regional Groundwater Research Institution / Commission.
At the river-basin level, the role of groundwater in proactive drought mitigation will be
demonstrated in the semi-arid Limpopo river basin on a conceptual level and at the field-scale in
a pilot subcatchment simultaneously taking into account applicablity and replicability for the
region as a whole. The location of the pilot project will be determined by the four riparian
countries during the PDF B phase.
The PDF B Grant will be used to prepare a GEF Project Document on “Protection and Strategic
Uses of Groundwater Resources in the Transboundary Limpopo Basin and Drought Prone Areas
of the SADC Region” in a participatory manner. The PDF B process will involve consultations
among institutions in the SADC region, and at the pilot river basin: the Limpopo Permanent
Technical Committee, other basin organisations and local communities in the four countries. The
process will also include sourcing resources from various Cooperating Partners for the
implementation phase of the project. A possible GEF PDF B contribution will have a catalytic
effect in that regard.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
1
PROPOSAL FOR PDF BLOCK B GRANT
1
1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION
5
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.
1.4.1.
1.4.2.
1.4.3
1.5.
1.6.
1.7.
Background and origin of PDF B Proposal
Other regional activities relevant to groundwater
Relevance to other World Bank programs in Southern Africa
Proposal and Objectives for GEF support 10
5
8
10
REGIONAL LEVEL ......................................................................................................................11
DROUGHT PRONE RIVER BASIN LEVEL ......................................................................................13
TIMING OF PROJECT....................................................................................................................14
Expected Project Outputs
Global/Regional environmental benefits of the project
Sustainability and replicability
15
16
16
2. DESCRIPTION OF PDF B ACTIVITIES BY COMPONENT
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
17
Objective of PDF B
17
Socio-economic, Environmental and Sectoral Transboundary Analyses
17
Confidence building, Stakeholder Involvement, Outreach and Public Awareness
18
Applied Training, Institution and Capacity Building
19
Resource mobilisation
19
Preparation of GEF Project Document
19
3. ELIGIBILITY
20
4. NATIONAL LEVEL SUPPORT
20
5. JUSTIFICATION FOR PDF B GRANT
20
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
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6. ITEMS TO BE FINANCED BY PDF GRANT/CO-FUNDING
21
7. OUTPUTS OF PDF B
21
8. STRATEGY FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
22
9. WORK SCHEDULE
22
ANNEXES
1. Access to developed water supply in the SADC region
2. Common aquifers in the SADC Region
3. SADC Groundwater Management Programme
4. Characteristics of the Limpopo River Basin
5. Letters of Endorsement of GEF Focal Points
6. Letter of Support from the Chairman of SADC Sectoral Committee of Ministers of Water
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1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION
1.1. Background and origin of PDF B Proposal
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional grouping of 14 sovereign
states with the main purpose of fostering co-operation and mutual benefit from the resources of
this region. With the establishment of the SADC Water Sector in August 1996 the critical
importance of water to regional integration and economic development was recognised by the
Member States. Water was upgraded to a distinct sector.
The population of the SADC region is expected to double in 25 years and major water and
environment crisis will occur if decisive and concrete actions are not taken towards sustainable
and integrated water resources management in the region.
Groundwater use in the SADC region and drought management
Groundwater is the main source of water supply for about 37% of the total population in the
SADC region, while surface water accounts for 23%. Remaining 40% of the population still rely
on unsafe water sources, which are more often prone to drought (Annex 1). Groundwater has a
potential role to play in the future development of secured water supply facilities and drought
management issues. Presently, about one third of the people in the region leave in drought prone
areas. In the driest part of the region, groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for
human and livestock. Groundwater is the main or a complementary source of intensive irrigation
in some parts of SADC (South Africa) and has a significant role to play in the food security
through small-scale irrigation (gardens).
Meteorological drought is an endemic phenomenon of the region, causing substantial socioeconomic hardships, possible decline in public health on a large scale, land degradation and
biodiversity loss. Over the past 30 years, rainfall has been increasing in the humid tropical zone
and declining in Sub-Saharan and Southern African dry lands (60 % of the total land area of
Africa). The frequency of drought has been increasing and is expected to increase in the future as
a result of climate change. A meteorological drought usually precedes surface water and then
groundwater drought. Characteristic for some parts of Southern Africa is also extreme rainfall
variability with flood years followed by extensive drought. The risk of occurrence of drought is
threatening even those countries previously thought to be water abundant such as Zambia.
The recurring droughts in the region have demonstrated the potential value of groundwater as a
more reliable and dependable source of water than surface water. The importance of groundwater
in drought management emanates, among others, from its availability in population centres,
providing renewable quantities of fresh water. Secondly, most aquifers have enough storage
capacity that can be used, if properly managed, to reduce the stress on surface water resources
during the dry periods. Using the aquifer’s static reserve as a temporary alternative to surface
water can, therefore be envisaged provided that a sufficient recovery/replenishment period is
allowed for the aquifer. The potential for future exploitation of static reserves in Southern Africa
may involve its conjunctive utilisation with surface water resources, i.e., artificial recharge in wet
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periods. In this respect, the prospects for huge inter-basin transfers give more value to previously
neglected groundwater resources.
Groundwater management in the SADC region
In majority of the Member States, groundwater occurrence is complex and sustainable
development of resources is challenging. The status of groundwater development in each
individual country largely reflects the importance of the resource in that country. Member States
that are largely dependant on groundwater, are initiating the sustainable development concepts,
for instance in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa. In some other SADC Member States, there
have been very limited efforts and funding for management of the resource to parallel
development.
The main drawbacks in terms of groundwater resources management are:
-
-
Groundwater level and quality monitoring often limited to a few well fields, and
sometimes completely non existent, which may lead to over-exploitation,
General lack of groundwater protection measures and poor regulation framework,
Low understanding of the significance of groundwater resources, poor knowledge of
natural recharge and long term viability of withdrawals amongst decision makers and
the public at large,
Undervaluing of the groundwater potential, especially in areas and countries where
surface water is abundant,
Depletion of aquifers due to mine dewatering and pollution from mining activities,
Inappropriate water supply technology and management, with regard to the water
resource and to what is affordable and manageable for the local communities.
The vulnerability of groundwater supply systems to drought often results from the poor design
and insufficient depth of wells, along with inappropriate pumping devices. The lack of water
level monitoring and prediction is an aggravating factor. Proper prediction, development and
management of groundwater could alleviate the crisis situation during dry periods.
SADC regional groundwater programme development
Several countries share several major aquifers in the region, as shown in annex 2. Local aquifers
may also have a regional impact, as groundwater abstraction may reduce the base flow of
international river systems shared by several countries and threaten ecosystems and downstream
usage requiring a minimum stream flow. Management of groundwater should therefore be part
of the multi-national integrated water resources management approach in the region.
Despite the present and future eminent socio-economic role of groundwater in the region, surface
water issues have so far dominated regional water resources programmes in SADC. The SADC
Water Resources Technical Committee (WRTC), the Sectoral Committees of Senior Officials and
Ministers of Water have acknowledged that more attention should be given to groundwater
development and protection. They identified the need for the establishment of a SADC Subcommittee for Hydrogeology, in which each Member State is represented.
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The Sub-committee for Hydrogeology provides technical backup in the implementation of the
Groundwater Management Programme for the SADC region. This Programme was approved by
the SADC machinery: The SADC Water Resources Technical Committee, the SADC Sectoral
Committee of Ministers of Water (June 1999, Zanzibar), and the SADC Council of Ministers
(August 1999, Maputo). It includes 10 projects of regional significance (annex 3). The
programme, far from being a substitute to the responsibilities of individual member States, is
rather, a support and an incentive to increase the efficiency of national programmes with due
consideration to transboundary issues. This programme is, therefore, developed within the
framework of SADC’s Regional Strategic Action Plan for Integrated Water Resource
Development and Management (RSAP).
The main objectives of the Groundwater Management Programme for the SADC region are:
-
-
Promote the sustainable development of groundwater resources at regional scale, in
terms of research, assessment, exploitation and protection,
Develop a regional framework for technical support to national groundwater
assessment and management programmes (including capacity building, institutional
and legal framework, policies, socio-economics and financing),
Groundwater resources adequately taken into consideration in the regional integrated
water resources development and management approach, with a particular emphasis
on major transboundary aquifers and on the role of groundwater in drought
management issues.
Policy responses to drought have been in the past commonly based on short-term crisis
management, and paid insufficient attention to the value of groundwater resources. To alleviate
this undesirable situation, prediction and mitigation measures have to be implemented, both of
surface and groundwater, in a proactive way.
The SADC Regional Drought Task Force, made up of Ministers of Agriculture, Ministers of
Transport, Communications and Meteorology, and recently Ministers of Water, put emphasis, at
the regional level, on integration of surface and groundwater resources in drought management
strategies. In the same manner, in May 1999, the SADC Water Strategy Reference Group
(WSRG), composed of the WSCU, SADC secretariat and Cooperating Partners, made
recommendations to focus part of the Groundwater Management Programme for the SADC
region in drought management issues.
Proposal to GEF
The present project proposal includes and addresses regional aspects related to sixe components
of SADC’s Groundwater Management Program namely (see Annex 3): Project No. 1 Capacity
Building in the Context of the Groundwater Management Program, (#3) The Development of a
Regional Groundwater Information System, (#4) The Regional Groundwater Monitoring
Network ,(#5) Compilation of Hydrogeological Map, (#6) Regional Groundwater Research
Institute/Commission, and (#10) Groundwater resource Assessment of the Limpopo/Save Basin.
These regional tools are not available at present and are essential for developing a regional
groundwater drought policy.
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The Sub-Committee for Hydrogeology selected the Upper Limpopo sub-basin as a possible pilot
area. The SADC WRTC approved the proposed pilot basin in May 2000 in Maputo. This pilot
area has been approved by SADC with recommendation that all riparian countries (Botswana,
Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique) be involved in the determination of the precise
location of the pilot area in the Limpopo basin. The Upper Limpopo basin area was selected
according to the following criteria:
-
Water body involving two or more countries,
Drought prone area/river basin/aquifer,
Significant population that will benefit (water supply coverage to be improved),
Size of a small sub-basin,
Environmentally sensitive,
Existing water management structures/institutions to become executing agencies,
Commitment from parties to develop base-line activities,
Good knowledge of geology,
Link to priorities expressed in the Regional Groundwater Management Programme in
terms of groundwater resources assessment, focused on Basement rocks aquifers,
aquifers of the Karoo series and aquifers of the Limpopo and Save Basins.
The Limpopo forms the border between Botswana and South Africa, then between Zimbabwe
and South Africa, before crossing the Southern part of Mozambique to reach the Indian Ocean in
Xai Xai, to the North of Maputo. The average rainfall along most of the Limpopo River is less
than 400mm, including the “Alto Limpopo” (upper part of the river across Mozambique), which
is the driest area of Mozambique. The severe droughts observed during the early 90s and the
recent exceptional floods in the Limpopo valley illustrate the extreme variability of rainfall and
runoff in the basin. How aquifer recharge is affected by such variability has to be investigated in
detail, so that optimal abstraction value during dry periods is determined.
In Botswana, 80% of the country population, including Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi Pikwe
lives in the Limpopo Basin. The relatively high density of population, the existence of major
towns such as Gaborone, Pretoria, Pietersburg in the basin, and the large number of dams,
industries and mines, exert a considerable pressure on the water resources, particularly during dry
periods, while large sectors of the rural population are not adequately supplied. The basin offers a
wide spectrum of Southern African shared aquifers. The alluvial aquifers associated with the
Limpopo River and its tributaries, are of particular importance in areas where river flow is not
permanent and needs to be adequately protected against overexploitation, pollution and
destruction from abstraction of sand. More characteristics of the Limpopo river basin are shown
in annex 4.
1.2. Other regional activities relevant to groundwater
An extensive situation analysis covering general aspects of groundwater management and the
foundations for regional cooperation was carried out by the WSCU in 1998 with the support of
UNEP, prior to the adoption of the Groundwater Management Programme for the SADC Region.
One of the project, “Minimum Common Standards for Groundwater Development”, is currently
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being implemented with the support of the French Cooperation. Expertise in the region and
various aspects of groundwater exploration, drilling, test pumping, analysis, data collection
storage and processing are considered in the study. The project includes country visits, interviews
with key stakeholders and the organisation of two workshops to be held in September and
November 2000.
Regarding the development of the Regional Hydrogeological Map, collaboration has been
initiated between the SADC Water and Mining Sectors. A common working group has been
established (Hydrogeological Map Steering Committee) and had its first meeting in March 2000,
in Windhoek (Namibia). A questionnaire has been circulated amongst relevant authorities to
identify the existing data, data gaps and develop a needs assessment. The Mining Sector has
produced several synthesised maps for the SADC region, including the Mineral Deposits Map.
The Sector is currently preparing the 1/2,500,000 SADC Geological Map.
A workshop that was held during the annual conference of the International Association of
Hydrogeologists (IAH), in November 2000 in Cape Town, focused on Transboundary Aquifer
Resource Management in the Southern Africa. This workshop, organized under the auspices of
UNESCO and IAH (TARM) provided international expertise and advice to the proposal. In
addition, the SADC-WSCU was identified as the regional focal point in this TARM initiative
developed under the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and
International Lakes (Helsinki 1992).
Other regional projects of interest for the proposed programme are:
-
-
-
-
-
The HYCOS project, consisting of installing 50 Data Collection Platforms for
Meteorological and Hydrologic parameters in the SADC region. The data are
transmitted via satellite to a regional information centre, and made available to the
Member States,
The Surface Water Resources database and Watershed Map of Southern Africa using
GIS, under the ALCOM project with the financial and technical assistance of FAO
and the Belgium Government,
The establishment of a Website for the SADC Water Sector, to facilitate the exchange
of information at the regional level. The Website will be accessible on Internet in July
2000,
The development of the Regional Strategic Action Plan for Integrated Water
Resources Development and Management, which creates a favourable regional
environment in terms of secured regional institutions and general technical
framework,
The preparation of the PDF B project “Joint Integrated Management of the Maputo
Basin” where UNDP is implementing agency.
The WaterNet, a regional program to strengthen capacity for Integrated Water
Resources Management in the Southern Africa region through training, education,
and research.
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1.3. Relevance to other World Bank programs in Southern Africa
The proposed project links well into the activities of the World Bank Africa Water Resources
Management Initiative (AWRMI). The initiative was launched in 1996 and seek to support water
resources analysis and policy reform at the national level and assists riparian countries in the
development of cooperative frameworks and programs in relation to shared water resources. The
initiative was developed as a direct response to the regional strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, that
was developed through intensive stakeholder consultations between 1994 and 1996. The strategy
builds, in turn, upon the World Bank’s long term vision of supporting integrated water resources
management programs and projects as stated in the Water Resources Management Policy Paper
(1993).
The AWRMI is an expanding cross-regional partnership with a multi-disciplinary and multisectoral team of staff working currently on water resources management and development
programs in about 20 countries and 5 international river basins. In Southern Africa the AWRMI
is increasingly active in supporting SADC in developing and implementing a portfolio of regional
projects, as well as in supporting several countries in water policy analysis and reform. The
AWRMI seeks to establish partnerships with other multi- and bilateral donor agencies and
members of the civil society in order to strengthen ongoing and planned initiatives. The AWRMI
programs aims at:
- intensify riparian dialogue to seek realization of shared benefits from joint water resources
development and management projects,
- increase capacity amongst riparian countries on the management of international waters,
- reduce risks of conflict between riparian countries on the sharing of scarce water resources,
- increase the potential for economic cooperation among riparian states.
1.4. Proposal and Objectives for GEF support
The project will develop a strategic regional approach to support and enhance the capacity of
member States in their drought management policies, in relation to the magnitude, recharge and
supply potential of groundwater sources and the protection of ecosystems of regional
significance. It will include the establishment of groundwater drought monitoring systems, the
mapping of groundwater drought vulnerability, and a menu of proactive mitigation measures to
combat the impact of drought.
The Global Objective of the project is summarised as:
Groundwater resources protected, developed and managed in an integrated manner, taking into
account its regional dimension, as a valuable resource to meet human and ecosystem needs in
drought prone areas of the SADC region.
The project will be developed in two levels: the regional level and the river basin level.
Regional dimension of the project
The present project comprises two critical regional components with the following objectives:
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a) Decision support tools
The development of regional information and decision support tools for integrated groundwater
management in drought prone areas,
b) Capacity building
Capacity building, institutional strengthening, including the formation of a regional groundwater
research institute / commission.
River basin dimension of the project
A decision has been made to focus the pilot phase of the project on the catchment of the Limpopo
which is shared by Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is visualised that the
following two components with the following objectives will be developed:
c) River Basin Scale
Carry out a groundwater resources assessment with particular attention to the interaction
between groundwater and surface water, to better understand the functioning of the river basin
system as a unitary whole, for effective drought management response addressing human and
ecosystem needs.
d) Subcatchment pilot scale
Investigation, demonstration and promotion on the ground for the optimal uses of groundwater
resources, engaging key stakeholders in a drought prone area to secure water supply for human
needs and the protection of ecosystems.
1.4.1. Activities at the Regional Level
The regional component of the project will follow detailed national situation analyses about the
regional scope of aquifers, needs assessment in drought prone areas and the preparation of a work
programme (to be performed during PDF B). Activities will take full cognition of past
experiences in each of the SADC member States in the protection, development, management and
integration of groundwater resources in drought management policies. Basic institutional
structure and capacity in terms of trained manpower and facilities are fundamental requirements
for the success of any management program. Hydrogeological maps, monitoring networks and
data bases/information systems do exist at the national level in the SADC Member States.
Nevertheless, they are at various level of accuracy; therefore, there are gaps in monitoring
activities, data collection, data storage and access. The development of these activities at the
regional level will fulfil the project objectives in:



Providing integrated data at regional level, to enhance the understanding of resources
management issues at national level, and at shared river basins level,
Facilitating and intensifying the exchange of information, and institutional strengthening, in
view of a shared management of regional aquifers,
Participating in building a regional environment for better integration of water management
issues in drought mitigation strategies including the protection of ecosystems,
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC


5 December, 2000
Raising the public conscience on necessary protection of both surface and groundwater
resources, and
Creating an enabling environment for better management of the water resources at the
national and local levels.
(a) Decision support system
This component consists of three distinct sub-components. The following activities are
envisaged:
(i) Regional Hydrogeological Map, drought sensitivity and water scarcity mapping
 Agreement on legend and design of small scale (1/2,000,000 or 1/2,500,000) hydrogeological
map for the SADC region,
 Identification of areas vulnerable to pollution, groundwater drought and overexploitation,
 Collection of existing data for drought sensitivity mapping, based among others on
approaches developed in Malawi and South Africa, combining groundwater availability,
recharge, aquifer characteristics, supply coverage, water demand,
 Develop GIS based formal Regional Hydrogeological map and Atlas, Regional Drought
Sensitivity Map, and Regional Scarcity Map for the SADC region.
 Ranking of drought prone areas according to groundwater occurrence and quality, drought
sensitivity, existing and potential degradation from pollution and proposal to develop a range
of solutions.
(ii) Monitoring Network and regional Groundwater drought monitoring system
 Develop a proposal to enhance data reliability, relevance and cost effectiveness of national
monitoring networks,
 Design the regional monitoring network, as a complement to the local and national
monitoring activities, with focus on the major multi-national aquifers that might be subject to
regional impact of drought, and on the joint management of surface and sub-surface water
resources in the main river basins.
 Implement a minimum common regional monitoring network and
 Establish procedures for a regional groundwater drought monitoring and early warning
system of drought events.
(iii) Regional Groundwater Information system
 Develop clear objectives for the regional groundwater monitoring system (the system should
be closely linked to the time-dependant flow data management of regional information related
to the drought sensitivity and monitoring along with the updating of Atlas and Regional
Groundwater Maps, using GIS).
 Design the Regional Groundwater Information System.
 Implementation and Operation Plan, including data accessibility and cost effectiveness of data
bases operation and maintenance.
(b) Capacity building
The groundwater sector, particularly in public sector, is under-funded and weak at central
regional and local level in almost all the SADC member states. Each member state has some form
of public agency to guide and co-ordinate groundwater activities. The main problems relate to
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funding manpower and facilities. In order to strengthen the capacity amongst member states,
sustain the developed tools and update them regularly, a Regional Groundwater Research
Institution / Commission will be established or an existing one will be strengthened. Options for
its location, management and role will be investigated during the PDF B phase.
Within this component the following activities are envisaged:






Develop an exchange programme for public sector personnel within the region.
Updating of regional groundwater maps and atlas.
Housing, updating and maintenance of GIS.
Collaboration and exchange of information.
Supervision of regional monitoring network, data processing and analysis.
Education, training and awareness building.
1.4.2. Activities at the drought prone river basin level
The River Basin level component of the project will follow a preliminary situation analyses
(during the PDF B Phase) of the Limpopo basin about the regional scope of aquifers, needs
assessment in drought prone areas and the actual and potential role groundwater can play in
meeting both human and ecosystem needs, as well as a detailed analyses of a selected pilot area
to be defined by the four riparian countries. Activities will take full cognition of past experiences
in each of the four SADC member States in the protection, development, management and
integration of groundwater resources in drought management policies.
(c) River Basin scale
 Carry out a regional overview of the potential for conjunctive use of groundwater and surface
water for effective planning of the resource.
 A comprehensive analysis and assessment of the interaction between the aquifer, the river
system and terrestrial ecosystems (habitat and vegetation) dependent on groundwater.
(d) Subcatchment pilot scale
A pilot groundwater drought management plan will be established covering groundwater
protection, monitoring and sustainable use linked to other aspects of integrated land and water
resources management in a selected drought prone subcatchment of the Limpopo Basin. Drought
groundwater mitigation measures will be implemented to protect ecosystems. It will be a users
association driven project involving the group of countries covered by the river basin/sub basin.
The initial situation analysis, needs assessment and identification of relevant groups of
stakeholders is proposed to be implemented during the PDF B phase. Due to the pilot nature of
the project, all activities implemented will be thoroughly monitored and analysed in view of their
replicability.
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Within this component the following activities are envisaged:



Develop a groundwater resource assessment programme, with particular attention to the
interaction between groundwater, the river and ecosystems,
Develop a management plan comprising institutional set up, communities based management
of water supply systems, operation and maintenance structure, identification of financing
structures, regular groundwater monitoring,
Carry out a groundwater development programme in which various optimal options will be
selected and implemented: Well deepening, drilling, artificial recharge, use of groundwater
dams, protection and exploitation of river bed aquifers, etc. in conjunction with other options
such as rainwater harvesting, and in the context of community based management water
1.4.3 Timing of project activities
The tentative timing is presented below over a period of 4 years (figure 1). A detailed work
programme will be established during PDF B.
Year
1
2
3
4
Activities
Completion of PDF B
REGIONAL LEVEL
(SADC + specialised institutions)
Regional Hydrogeological Map, drought
sensitivity and water scarcity mapping
Monitoring Network and Regional
Groundwater Drought Monitoring system
implementation
management
Regional Groundwater Information System
implementation
management
Regional Groundwater Research Institution /
Commission
management
DROUGHT PRONE RIVER BASIN LEVEL
(Group of countries, local authorities,
communities)
Limpopo River Basin Component
Groundwater Resources Assessment
Groundwater Management Plan
Groundwater development and promotion
(Well deepening, drilling, artificial recharge,
community based water supply)
Figure 1 Scope of activities and indicative timing of the GEF project
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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5 December, 2000
1.5. Expected Project Outputs
It is expected that the implementation of the GEF project will lead to the following outputs:
Regional level
a) Decision Support Tools
 Regional Hydrogeological map,
 Regional Drought Sensitivity Map identifying ecosystems sensitive for groundwater
abstractions,
 Regional SADC Water Scarcity Map identifying ecosystems at risk,
 Monitoring network designed and in place of some major transboundary aquifers,
 Operational Regional groundwater information system developed.
b) Capacity building
 Groundwater Research Institute / Commission formally approved by SADC,
 Institute operational and work program adopted,
 Institute financially sustainable,
 Lessons learned from the project replicated in the SADC region and globally,
 Coordination with existing research and training institutions,
 Sustainability ensured of the regional tools e.g. updating of the hydrological maps,
management of monitoring data and exchange of information of regional significance,
 Decision makers and the public at large aware about the role of groundwater in the
hydrological cycle.
Drought Prone River Basin Level
c) Limpopo River Basin scale
 Integrated Surface and Groundwater resources assessment,
 Integrated drought vulnerability map identifying ecosystems at risk,
 Groundwater management analysis of various management options such as GW dams,
artificial recharge, etc.,
 Assessment of possible users of groundwater to relieve pressure on ecosystem vulnerable to
drought,
 Assessment of the role of groundwater in conjunctive use,
 Awareness raised on integrated and sustainable use of surface and groundwater, resources
among key stakeholders in order to protect the ecosystem.
d) Subcatchment pilot scale
 Integrated Surface and Groundwater resources assessment, using various exploration
techniques,
 Drought Management Plan developed by users group,
 Pre-feasibility study of some management options for human consumption, small-scale
irrigation, livestock and ecosystem uses,
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
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
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5 December, 2000
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of options chosen for the sustainable and integrated
use of surface and groundwater,
Drought Management Plan promoted, through downstream country based investments,
Pilot project monitored and analysed and lessons learned and then replicated throughout the
region within the regional component framework.
1.6. Global/Regional environmental benefits of the project
The incremental reasoning and the major global/regional outcomes of the project are the
following (more outcomes may emerge during project preparation and/or pilot implementation):







Assess ecosystem vulnerability to drought and implement measure involving groundwater to
protect them,
Identify mitigation measures involving groundwater to relieve pressure on ecosystems, e.g.
wetlands, vulnerable to drought,
Assess and monitor key regional aquifers to control abstraction, to avoid overexploitation and
to maintain sufficient base flow in rivers in order to protect groundwater dependent riverine
ecosystems vulnerable to drought,
Provide tools for transboundary management of selected aquifers in drought prone areas to
favour equitable sharing of the resource for sustainable socio-economic development,
In the subcatchment pilot area evaluate the global contribution of groundwater to the water
resources of the whole Limpopo basin shared by the countries, in view of developing an
integrated management approach at the basin level,
Raise awareness on groundwater for the integrated management of groundwater and surface
water management to reduce the effects of droughts (conjunctive use),
Platform for sustainable downstream country based investment.
1.7. Sustainability and replicability
The tools developed during the project for managing groundwater on a regional level will be
sustained through the SADC system and the Regional Groundwater Research Institution /
Commission. The SADC-Water Sector Coordination Unit (SADC-WSCU) mandate is to
coordinate the sustainable development and management of shared water resources in the SADC
region. Its running costs are e.g. financed by the Kingdom of Lesotho. In addition, SADC
member states contribute to relevant expenses such as regional meetings, workshops and training.
Crucial for the success of the projects regional component is the support by the member states to
a Regional Groundwater Research Institution / Commission to sustain and maintain the regional
tools as well as continue training and education in groundwater resources management.
River Basin Organisation (RBO) are being established and the existing ones are strengthened, as
a result of implementation of the Protocol on Shared Watercourse Systems in the SADC region.
They provide the framework to develop sustainable integrated water resources management
approach. Project activities of the RBOs are in many cases externally funded by developing
agencies.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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The purpose of the pilot component at the basin level is to test various management options at the
local scale, learn from them and replicate the lessons learned within the regional framework. The
project as such will also in itself be a pilot project for how to manage regional groundwater
resources shared between several countries in drought prone regions. Lessons learned can be
replicated in other parts of the world through the GEF framework which provides excellent
opportunities for wider dissemination of results on the global level.
Sustainable downstream country based investments will be promoted in the pilot subcatchment
and the SADC region based on the raised awareness of the role groundwater can play in drought
management for enhancing socio-economic development and the protection of ecosystems.
Additional options for sustainability will be explored during the PDF B phase and during actual
project implementation.
2. DESCRIPTION OF PDF B ACTIVITIES BY COMPONENT
2.1. Objective of PDF B
The Objective of the PDF B is:
To prepare a GEF project document for “Protection and Strategic Uses of Groundwater
Resources in the Transboundary Limpopo Basin and Drought Prone Areas of the SADC Region”,
through a process involving institutions in the SADC region, and on the pilot level, the Limpopo
river basin organisation and local communities in the four countries, as well as sourcing
resources from cooperating partners.
2.2. Socio-economic, Environmental and Sectoral Transboundary Analyses
Two situation analyses will be carried out during the PDF B. The first will be conducted at the
regional level (14 SADC Member States) and the second at the scale of the river Limpopo Basin
level (4 countries):
Regional level




Inventory and analysis of regional groundwater issues, various actions at national level and
past experiences,
Detailed Inventory of existing national hydrogeological maps and legends (definition of
groundwater units, parameters included in the maps, etc.)
Review of existing data at national level for drought sensitivity mapping and water scarcity
mapping, combining groundwater availability, recharge aquifer characteristics, water demand,
use of groundwater and surface water in water supply,
Inventory and analysis of existing Groundwater Level and Quality Monitoring networks in
SADC Member States,
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Assessment of their suitability for long term conservation of the groundwater resources in the
region, needs assessment for monitoring networks focused on drought occurrence,
Inventory and analysis of national Groundwater data management systems, compatibility
analysis for exchange of information.
Limpopo River basin level




Assessment of the Limpopo River Basin, sensu lato area (geology, soils water use,
demography, groundwater development, socio-economy, etc.),
Review of current conditions and potential threats to vulnerable groundwater resources,
Identification of executing agency,
Identification of local stakeholders and role of stakeholders.
2.3. Confidence building, Stakeholder Involvement, Outreach and Public
Awareness
The GEF project involves the water users as well as local and national authorities and regional
institutions. The Pilot project in the Limpopo basin will build upon the existing transboundary
institutions, namely the Limpopo Permanent Technical Committee grouping representing the four
countries of the basin. For project management, and future operation and maintenance, the
principle of community-based management will be applied at the lowest appropriate level.
During PDF B, the Situation Analyses will include wide consultations at both Regional and River
Basin Level. All parties related to groundwater development and use will be consulted and
proactively involved. Their potential role as actors of the GEF project will be identified. To
mention major stakeholders:











SADC institutions, in particular the Water Sector, Mining Sector, Agriculture Sector, Food
Security and Drought Management Unit,
Limpopo Permanent Technical Committee,
Relevant government departments,
Authorities at different levels (local authorities, communities, traditional chiefs, etc.),
Farmers unions, development and water users associations,
Women groups,
NGOs involved in groundwater development and in water supply construction and
management,
Relevant professional associations,
The academia, universities and research institutions,
Global Water Partnership, Southern Africa Technical Advisory Committee (GWP-SATAC),
and
The private sector, both as water users and service providers.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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5 December, 2000
Regional consultations will be conducted in the first three months of the project, using all means
available, including the Water Sector Web Site, open in July 2000. Other consultations will occur
during Consultant’s visits. Several meetings will be held and will provide additional opportunities
to involve stakeholders:



The establishment of a multi-diciplinary Regional Steering Committee for the PDF B project
development, comprising tentatively representatives of the SADC Sub-Committee for
Hydrogeology, for Water Supply and Sanitation (SADC Water Sector) and for Geology
(SADC Mining Sector), Limpopo Permanent Technical Committee, SADC Water Sector
Coordinating Unit, one representative of one appropriate research institution dealing with
water and climate. It is expected that the Regional Steering Committee will have three
meetings during the course of PDF B activities.
The involvement of the existing Regional Hydrogeological Map Steering Committee. Two
meetings are planned during the course of PDF B project.
A workshop gathering the key stakeholders within the selected pilot area in the Limpopo
River Basin.
2.4. Applied Training, Institution and Capacity Building
Both analyses will identify the existing local authorities, institutions and other organisations in
the Limpopo river basin and the region, assess the needs for training in groundwater management
issues at both institution and public level, and support the development of the Limpopo
Permanent Technical Committee on capacity building in the field of groundwater management.
Possible links with Universities, Research Institutions and other bodies, responsible for the
training of professionals, will be investigated as well.
2.5. Resource mobilisation
The situation analysis will evaluate in details the contribution from member States as well as
from regional financial sources for implementation of the GEF project. Support will be provided
to the SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit for resource mobilisation activities directed
towards co-funding and technical assistance from cooperating partners and non-governmental
organisations at Regional and International level.
2.6. Preparation of GEF Project Document
The GEF Project document will be the major output of the PDF B. It will be developed in an
interactive way with the Regional Steering Committee and Major Stakeholders. The Project
Document will include all information derived from the situation analysis. It will detail the
various components of the GEF project, develop the strategy for implementation, and identify the
executing agencies and the role of various actors for the project. The project Document will
develop a work programme at both regional and pilot area levels, a cost analysis and a detailed
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
cost assessment for the project. Indicators for monitoring and evaluation of activities will be
provided.
The GEF Project Document will set the foundations of the various project components and reflect
the progresses made on the ground in terms of implementation. The Project Document will be
discussed and submitted for approval to the Regional Steering Committee.
3. ELIGIBILITY
All SADC members States are eligible to GEF grants. The proposed project is eligible under the
GEF Focal Area “International waters” and the Intergrated land/water programme (OP # 9).
The four countries involved in the pilot component of the project, Botswana, Mozambique, South
Africa and Zimbabwe have signed the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses in the SADC
region, 2000. They also ratified the UN Convention on Climate Change and signed the 1997 UN
Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Water Courses.
4. NATIONAL LEVEL SUPPORT
Endorsements from the National GEF Focal points are attached in annex 5.
It is planned that the members of the SADC Sub-Committee for Hydrogeology will act as
technical national contact points during the PDF B implementation phase. Members of the SADC
Water Resources Technical Committee (WRTC) have the overall responsibility of national level
support. The project proposal has been discussed and approved by the Sub-Committee for
Hydrogeology, the WRTC, the Sectoral Committees of Senior Officials and Ministers of Water
(annex 6.).
For the Hydrogeological Mapping Project, collaboration between the two SADC Sectors of
Mining and Water has been initiated and a common project steering committee has already been
established, in which each country is represented.
5. JUSTIFICATION FOR PDF B GRANT
The SADC institutions have demonstrated their commitment to developing regional components
of sound environment-friendly management of water resources. They approved a Regional
Groundwater Management Programme along with the Project Profile on “Protection and Strategic
Uses of Groundwater Resources in the Transboundary Limpopo Basin and Drought Prone Areas
of the SADC Region”. The numerous national activities in the field of groundwater resources
management need to be placed in the broader context of shared water resources regional
initiatives.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
The PDF B Grant is needed to analyse the situation as mentioned above, determine the
appropriate size and location of the pilot area and establish the regional framework to develop the
GEF Project, establish a regional coordination mechanism and develop a project monitoring
system. The provision of PDF B Grant will help in raising awareness of water users and decision
makers about the use and protection of groundwater resources in the fragile environment of
drought prone areas.
Regional groundwater activities have been initiated with the support of UNEP and the French
Cooperation. Co-funding of the proposed GEF project has been secured through Sida and French
Cooperation. The GEF PDF B sources are important since they will cover a large part of the
incremental costs together with the bilateral resources from France and Sweden. Without the
opportunity of receiving support from GEF, the support from the bilateral donors would not be
available. The project preparation phase will allow for all key stakeholder including potential
financiers to participate and develop the project. Financing of the project will be explored and
confirmed during the preparation phase.
6. ITEMS TO BE FINANCED BY PDF GRANT/CO-FUNDING
The PDF B GEF Grant and co-funding from Sida and French Cooperation will be utilised to
cover the following expenses:
1. Assistance of a Project Management Consultant (PMC) for about 5 months. The PMC
will assist the SADC WSCU in particular for holding regional workshops and prepare the
GEF Project document,
2. Develop regional consultations of experts,
3. Three meetings of the Regional Steering Committee,
4. Two meetings of the Hydrogeological Map Steering Committee,
5. A consultancy for the regional Situation Analysis (about 8 man/months),
6. A consultancy for the Limpopo river situation analysis and community awareness (about
9 man/months),
7. One stakeholder workshop in the selected pilot area,
8. Reports, publications and others.
7. OUTPUTS OF PDF B
The following outputs are expected from the implementation of the PDF B:
Regional level:
 A situation analysis on the applicability of regional groundwater management tools,
 Consensus reached between major actors and stakeholders about the project on,
 Awareness on the use and protection of groundwater resources improved,
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
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
5 December, 2000
The regional component of the GEF Project Document prepared including Work Plan and
budget
The training centre component preliminary analysed.
Limpopo River Basin level:
 A situation analysis report available for the preparation of the Limpopo River Basin
assessment,
 Stakeholders identified, briefed and consulted in the Pilot area,
 Pilot subcatchment determined in the Upper Limpopo basin with all water users and key
stakeholders involved,
 A situation analysis report available for the preparation of the subcatchment drought
management plan,
 The Limpopo River basin level component of the GEF Project document prepared including
Work Plan and budget.
 The pilot subcatchment component prepared including workplan and budget.
8. PDF B STRATEGY FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The WSCU will be the executing Agency for PDF B and will also identify suitable agents to
execute various components of the project. Three consultants and/or consultants firms will be
contracted to carry out activities mentioned in paragraph 6 above, using the regional contracting
procedures already developed by WSCU for implementing SADC water projects. The strategy to
guide the project implementation will be participatory and consultative. A Regional Steering
Committee will be established and a specific existing committee will deal with the
Hydrogeological mapping activities (Hydrogeological Mapping Steering Committee). One
workshop will be held to involve the key stakeholders at the pilot area level.
9. PFB B WORK SCHEDULE
The total PDF B phase is expected to last 18 months, starting from the date when the funds will
be made available. Activities, Personnel involved and regional/national contributions are shown
in figure two.
The World Bank Project Concept Document (PCD) will be developed in the initial stages of the
PDF B. The Project Appraisal Document (PAD) should be ready after 18 months of PDF B work.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
Schedule of Activities for the PDF B Phase
MONTH
7
1
2
3
4
Funds available
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Determination of
exact location of
pilot area
ACTIVITIE
S
Regional Experts consultation
Regional Steering Committee (RSC)
RSC 1
Hydrogeological Map Steering Committee
(HMSC)
HMSC 1
RSC 2
Reports
RSC 3
HMSC 2
Tendering procedure
Regional Situation Analysis and Project
Inception
LSW
Pilot area situation analysis and project
Inception
Review by countries
Limpopo Stakeholders Workshop (LSW)
Awareness building in the Pilot area,
Preparation and debriefing of LSW.
World Bank Documents: Project Concept Doc.
PAD
PCD
and Projced Appraisal Document
Preparation of GEF Project Brief
PERSONN
EL
Project Management Consultant
Draft
Consultant group 1
Consultant group 2
CONTRIBUTIO
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit +
NS
French Technical Assistance
SADC countries
World Bank
Sida
General coordination and project
management
Figure 2
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
Page 23
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18
PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
10. BUDGET FOR PDF B ACTIVITIES
The Cost Breakdown of PDF B is shown hereafter. It does not include the contributions in
kind (table 1).
Table 1 Budget for PDF B Activities (in US$)
Component
1.
Project Management
Consultant
2. Regional
Consultations
3. Three Meetings of the
Regional Steering
Committee
4. Meetings of the
Hydrogeological Map
Steering Committee
5. Consultancy for the
Regional Situation
Analysis
6. Consultancy for the
Limpopo River
Situation Analysis and
project inception
7. One stakeholder
workshop in the
selected pilot area
8. Reports, publications
and miscellaneous
TOTAL in US$1
1
Cost
estimate
GEF
40,000
40,000
10,000
10,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
25,000
100,000
100,000
110,000
110,000
25,000
SIDA
French
Coop.
25,000
25,000
25,000
15,000
15,000
425,000
350,000
50,000
25,000
In addition, in kind contributions from the SADC member states will be in the order of 50 000 USD.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
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PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
ANNEXES
ANNEX 1. Access to developed water supply in the SADC region
ANNEX 2 Common aquifers in the SADC Region
ANNEX 3 SADC Groundwater Management Programme
ANNEX 4 Characteristics of the Limpopo River Basin
ANNEX 5 Letters of Endorsement of GEF Focal Points
ANNEX 6 Letter of Support from the Chairman of SADC
Sectoral Committee of Ministers of Water
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
Annexs
PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
ANNEX 1. ACCESS TO DEVELOPED WATER SUPPLY IN THE SADC REGION
Population
Ratio
SADC Member
State
Part of the population
Part of the population having access
having access to
Total
to developed Groundwater Supply
developed water supply
PopuUrban Rural
Urban Rural Total
-lation
Urban
Rural
Total
Millions
ANGOLA
12.6
BOTSWANA
1.6
D.R.CONGO
49.0
LESOTHO
2.1
MALAWI
11.2
MAURITIUS
1.2
MOZAMBIQUE
16.5
NAMIBIA
1.6
SEYCHELLES
0.08
SOUTH AFRICA 42.3
SWAZILAND
1.0
TANZANIA
32.0
ZAMBIA
10.1
ZIMBABWE
11.9
193.1
SADC
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
37
43
20
27
13
50
15
32
63
57
80
73
87
50
85
68
60
98
20
50
35
71
9
66
18
50
15
57
65
82
98
34
99
56
49
98
37
62
58
53
98
37
74
14
25
46
7
27
56
29
46
37
43
45
28
46
33
38
59
25
22
43
31
41
75
78
57
69
80
80
68
85
98
60
45
48
58
80
72
54
52
70
86
56
4
20
20
1
41
40
29
52
72
50
31
26
38
50
32
68
77
50
60
35
38
37
Source: Statistics established by the SADC Water Sector Coordination Unit. Figures in
regular characters are abstracted from country situation reports (1996-1998). Figures in italic
are rough estimates.
160
140
Population
in millions
120
40%
100
80
50%
23%
60
40
23%
12%
41%
20
36%
37%
38%
0
Urban
Groundwater
Rural
Surface water
Total
Unserved
Source of domestic water supply in the SADC region (DRC and Seychelles not included)
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
Annexs
PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
5 December, 2000
Annexs
PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
ANNEX 3 -
5 December, 2000
GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE
SADC REGION
Project Title
Objectives
Project Title
Objectives
1- Capacity
Building within the
Context of
Regional
Groundwater
Management
Programme
Address the various
issues on capacity of
SADC Member
States for the
successful
programme
implementation
2- Develop Minimum
Common Standards
for Groundwater
development in the
SADC Region
Develop Minimum
Common Standards
and Guidelines for
Groundwater
Development.
3- Development of
a
Regional
Groundwater
Information
System
Management of
monitoring and
groundwater data of
regional significance.
4- Establishment of a
Regional Groundwater
Monitoring Network
Assess regional
impact of recharge
and drought. Joint
management of
river basins.
5- Compilation of a
Regional Hydro-geological Map
and Atlas for the
SADC Region
Support to regional
integrated water
resource
development and
management.
6- Establish a Regional
Groundwater Research
Institute/Commission
Co-ordination of
research and
training activities at
regional level.
7- Construct a
Website on Internet
and publish
quarterly
Newsletters
Facilitate access and
exchange of
groundwater related
information.
8- Regional
Groundwater Resource
Assessment of Karoo
Aquifers
Resource
assessment for joint
management of a
major aquifer
system at regional
scale.
9- Regional
Groundwater
Resource
Assessment of
Precambrian
Basement Aquifers
Characterisation of
groundwater
occurrence and
assessment of the
potential
development of
Precambrian aquifers.
10- Groundwater
Resource Assessment
of Limpopo/Save
Basin
Develop a pilot
study on surface
and groundwater
interaction at basin
level, including
drought
management.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
Annexs
PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
ANNEX 4 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LIMPOPO RIVER BASIN
Member States Sharing:
Drainage Basin :
River length :
Number of dams:
Uses of dams:
Level of Development:
Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique,
Zimbabwe
415,000 km2
1,750 km
> 40
Irrigation, Domestic, Hydropower, Mining,
Industrial
It is envisaged that by the year 2020, almost
all tributaries will be fully utilised
The Limpopo River is the most important source of surface water in eastern Botswana as well as
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, as it serves areas of important developments. The
climate in the basin is semi-arid, but more humid and temperate over South African Highveld. In
Botswana and South Africa, the tributaries of this river have so many dams that they contribute
very little to downstream flow during low flows. Flow in the lower Limpopo is derived almost
entirely from tributaries in Zimbabwe. Contribution of groundwater to low flows in Lower
Limpopo might be of importance, although no assessment at the scale of the basin is available.
In several tributaries of the river, water use is already equal to resources potential and in some
cases well in excess of yield potential.
Transfers are operated within the basin, from Molatedi Dam in South Africa on the Groot Marico
river to the Gaborone Dam in Botswana, on the Notwane river. Another major transfer is the
North South Carrier in Botswana, which will bring the water from the Motlouse Dam to
Gaborone. Interbasin transfers are also applied from the Vaal, the Usutu and the Komati rivers to
the main tributary of the Limpopo, the Olifants river in South Africa.
The total capacity of existing dams is as follows:
Botswana: 4 dams and 349 Mm3
South Africa: 29 dams and 1891 Mm3
Mozambique: 2 dams and 2264 Mm3
Zimbabwe: 13 dams and 1028 Mm3
The annual runoff of the Limpopo is only 5500 Mm3
A project proposal to develop a water resources management strategy of the basin has been
prepared. The strategy will facilitate co-ordination of the present arrangements in the riparian
member States and will culminate in proposals for long term management strategy. The project
has been approved in principle by the Limpopo Permanent Technical Committee (LPTC), which
was established in 1986. The approach is focused on surface water and groundwater still need to
be integrated.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
Annexs
PDFB-GEF. Groundwater and Drought Management in SADC
5 December, 2000
As far as groundwater is concerned, the basin comprises several major aquifer systems of
transboundary nature:
The alluvial aquifers all along the Limpopo and the major tributaries. They form one of the best
aquifer in Mozambique. They have been extensively studied in Botswana. They are under threat
of pollution from mining activities (Selebi Pikwe area in particular). Abstraction of sand in the
river bed also degrades the aquifer.
The Cretaceous-Sedimentary basin covering large areas in Mozambique and part of the river
basin in South Africa and Zimbabwe. In Mozambique, recent studies in the Limpopo indicate the
existence of a deep aquifer at depth between 80 and 150 m, which seems to extend under the
entire part of the Limpopo river valley. The potential seems promising, and there is a need for
further resources assessment.
The Karoo sediments aquifers. They have been the target of detailed investigations in Botswana
in the Limpopo basin and in South Africa. Current developments occur in both countries in terms
of bulk water supply. Small scale rural water supply is currently being developed in Northern
Province of South Africa, where disadvantaged populations are targeted.
The ante Cambrian sediment aquifers. They are mobilized (Karstic Dolomites of the Transvaal
Supergroup) in the upper reaches of the Limpopo basin, both in Botswana and South Africa.
The basement complex cover large parts of the basin in North Eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe and
Northern South Africa. Despite the poor productivity of basement aquifers, they are essential in
providing water to remote rural communities, and the potential for development is high in the
three countries.
Cooperation between the riparian States has been initiated with the Limpopo Permanent
Technical Committee in terms of water resources management. Groundwater resources in the
basin were subjected to various degrees of attention at the national level. A more regional
perspective at the basin level is to be considered in view of using groundwater as a valuable
resource in drought prone areas.
SADC Water Sector Coordinating Unit
Annexs