هماهنگ سازی سیاست و همکاری میان نهادهای - یک استراتژی به سمت توسعه پایدار، مدیریت و استفاده از منابع آب: مورد مالاوی

A number of water resources management policies and legislations have been enacted in Malawi. The policies and legislations have been regulatory in nature. The Water Resources Act (1969) and the subsidiary Water Resources (Pollution Control) Regulations provide the main regulatory framework for water resources management. However, the Water Works Act (1995) is the main authority for establishing water supply and water-borne sanitation delivery services. Government introduced the 1994 Water Resources Management Policy and Strategies (WRMPS). This policy and strategies have been reviewed by the 1999 and 2005 WRMPS. The introduction of the National Environmental Policy and the call for harmonisation of natural resources management policy, legislation and institutional roles, warranted the review. This provides a conducive and enabling environment for sustainable Integrated Water ResourcesManagement (IWRM). The policies and legislation of other sectors benefiting and affecting the water field need to be in harmony with those drawn for water resources management.

Water resources management basically involves the monitoring and assessment of water quality and quantity, the development and protection of water resources, the provision of water services and ensuring that water laws are strictly adhered to by all users. Water resources management may be defined asman’s control overwater as it passes through its natural cycle,with balanced attention to maximising economic,social and environmental benefits. The goal of sustainable IWRM is, therefore, to conserve water resources in both quality and quantity for the benefit of the present and future generations. Pressure on water is increasing due to increase in population. Land use is intensifying, causing increased land degradation and eventually degradation of the water resources. This causes an increase in demand for water and a range of potential and actual threats to the quality and quantities of water available. In addition, water supply and water-borne sanitation services are inadequate to meet the needs of some communities. This calls for action from water sector and water related sector organisations as well as the user communities in the proper planning, development and utilisation of water resources to achieve the maximum benefits while at the same time ensuring their sustainability.

The growing national demand for water, coupled with the concern on its availability, particularly during the dry season calls for better management of the water resources in the country. Malawi has over the years been overwhelmed by problems of water scarcity due to drought and lack of storage dams and reservoirs. The lack of regulation facilities on Shire River exacerbates this situation. The problems of hydropower generation, navigation on the lake, and lack of adequate water supply to some towns in the recent past are all related to poor water resources management. All these can be prevented and mitigated by strengthened water resources management programmes and harmonised policies in the sustainable development, management and utilisation of water resources in the country.