ByTendai Guvamombe
SADC Ministers Convene to Tackle Intertwined Challenges of Energy and Water Amidst Climate Crisis
HARARE – Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers for Energy and Water are holding a crucial joint meeting in Harare, emphasizing the inextricable link between the two vital sectors, particularly in the face of escalating climate change impacts.
Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development highlighted the region’s heavy reliance on hydropower, making the energy-water nexus unavoidable. “Most of our energy is derived from hydropower. So the link between energy and water is inevitable,” he stated.
The discussions extend beyond energy generation to directly address climate change and variability, a persistent threat to Southern Africa. The region anticipates a 10% reduction in water availability and a 2% increase in temperature, foreshadowing more frequent and severe droughts. This makes a critical look at water issues, as exacerbated by climate change, paramount.
A key focus of the meeting is to strategize on harnessing water resources to bolster both agriculture and the energy sector. Deliberations include leveraging the immense potential of projects like the Grand Inga Dam and other river basins across the Southern African region to maximize water harvesting for these dual purposes.
Professor Jiri underscored the meeting’s significance: “This meeting is very, very critical for us in the region as we look at how we can harness water for agriculture and also for energy generation.”
He acknowledged the region’s energy deficit, despite some member states like South Africa having excess, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative solutions to ensure energy security for the majority of SADC countries.
