Ministers responsible for water from Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho convened inGaborone recently for the 8th Ordinary Meeting of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM).
The meeting reviewed progress of the joint management, development and protection of shared water resources of the Orange-Senqu River Basin and provided strategic direction for the Commission’s ongoing work.
According to a communiqué, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate and welcomed progress attained since the last forum in South Africa in 2023.
They also hailed progress towards the ratification of the 2018 revised agreement, which will moderniseand strengthen the Commission’s legal and institutional framework.
“The ministers acknowledged the integration of sanitation into the next Integrated Water Resources Management and Investment Plan (2026-2035), ensuring coordinated action on pollution, water quality, water sanitation and hygiene, and cross-sectoral issues,” the statement noted.
The Orange-Senqu River Commission, established in 2000, celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 4, 2025.
