Botswana Hosts Strategic Water Planning Talks for Orange-Senqu Basin Future

Botswana Hosts Strategic Water Planning Talks for Orange-Senqu Basin Future. The Department of Water and Sanitation, working alongside regional and institutional partners, has convened a national stakeholder workshop in Gaborone to advance planning for the Orange-Senqu River Basin. The session focused on developing the Integrated Water Resources Management and Investment Plan for the 2026 to 2035 period.

Held at the Avani Hotel, the workshop brought together a wide range of participants from government, academia, and industry. Representatives included the Ministry of Land and Agriculture, Debswana, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Botswana Geoscience Institute, the Orange-Senqu River Commission, the Global Water Partnership, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the University of Botswana.

The engagement created a platform for stakeholders to contribute input into the long-term planning process for one of the region’s most important water systems. Discussions centred on improving coordination, sharing expertise, and aligning priorities to support sustainable management of water resources across the basin.

Participants used the session to exchange perspectives on current challenges and future needs linked to water availability, infrastructure investment, and environmental protection. The collaborative format aimed to ensure that the final plan reflects a broad range of technical insights and sectoral priorities.

The Orange-Senqu River Basin is a critical shared resource in Southern Africa, making coordinated planning essential for its long-term sustainability. The development of the Integrated Water Resources Management and Investment Plan is expected to guide decision-making and resource allocation over the next decade.