SASSCAL and the Zambian Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) have joined forces to tackle issues pertaining to water resources management for the next five years. The collaboration is in keeping with efforts to find solutions to the ever-increasing calamities brought about by climate change. SASSCAL Interim Executive Director, Dr. Budzanani Tacheba, and WARMA Acting Director General, Mr Frank Nyoni signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard on Tuesday, 4 March 2025 at WARMA Headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia.
The agreement will see SASSCAL and WARMA collaborate in identifying, designing, and implementing projects. It specifically covers supporting innovative and collaborative research in new technologies for improved and effective management of water resources; identifying priority areas of research in water resources management; participating in capacity-building programmes facilitated by SASSCAL; and sharing water-related data and information to enable SASSCAL to effectively generate scientific knowledge products and services for decision-making on climate change and water resources management.
Dr. Tacheba noted that Southern Africa stands at a critical juncture, grappling with escalating climate crises resulting in recurrent droughts and floods, shifting rainfall patterns that threaten food security, water resources, and economic stability.
Due to this situation, he said the region should over the next five years harness research, innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building, to forge a resilient future.
“It is therefore important that we identify opportunities for collaboration under different mechanisms. SASSCAL remains committed to Regional Cooperation and shall in collaboration with others seek project initiatives aligned to national policies and the SADC Protocol on Environmental Management, fostering trans boundary water management such as the Limpopo River Basin” said Dr Tacheba.
In this agreement, SASSCAL will further provide WARMA with scientific services including research assignments, capacity development initiatives, services and data products to enable WARMA to sustainably manage its portfolio.
Additionally, SASSCAL will support the water authority in adding value to their outcomes and in disseminating regionally relevant information, knowledge and technologies within the SASSCAL region and other countries.
Also speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. Nyoni said WARMA values SASSCAL as a key strategic partner in strengthening capacity building, research, and innovation in water resources management.
“This Mou plays a foundation for collaboration in research and innovation, institutional capacity development and data sharing in water resources management. WARMA is eager to work with SASSCAL in identifying, designing, and implementing projects that align with the priorities of both institutions, including supporting research in innovative technologies to enhance water resources management,” he added.
He further said that WARMA looks forward to leveraging SASSCAL’s expertise in capacity building to enhance research in the field of water resources management.
“Through this partnership, we aim to develop solutions that benefit not only our institution but also other interested stakeholders and the broader water sector,” the acting Director General said.
The MoU will enhance knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, ultimately resulting in sustainable solutions that foster water security and climate resilience.
WARMA is responsible for conserving, preserving, and protecting the environment, including wetlands, quarries, dambos, marshlands, and headwaters. The Zambian water authority also identifies and safeguards potential freshwater sources, conducts water resource planning through allocation and catchment management plans, assesses water quality and quantity, and establishes standards and guidelines for water users in Zambia.
SASSCAL’s mission on the other hand is to strengthen the regional capacity to generate and use scientific knowledge products and services for decision-making on climate change and adaptive land management through research management, human capital development and service provision.
Apart from the acting Heads of the two organisations (SASSCAL and WARMA), Dr. Chomba Innocent Chomba, Programme Coordinator for the SASSCAL Zambian National Node office, and other SASSCAL and WARMA senior officials witnessed the signing event.
