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Thursday, 13th February, 2025

KOBWA AND INMACOM SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

KOBWA Chief Executive Officer and INMACOM Interim Executive Secretary after signing the MoUs.

On February 13, 2025, the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) and the Incomati & Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a press briefing held in Mbabane, Eswatini. Mr. Spencer Green-Thompson, the Interim Executive Secretary of INMACOM, stated that "the objective of the MOU between INMACOM and KOBWA is to promote cooperation, development, and capacity building in systems designed to enhance water resource management. This includes sustainability, knowledge exchange, collaboration, exploring resource mobilization measures, and developing projects of mutual interest." This agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in the sustainable utilization, development, and management of water resources in the Komati Basin, a vital transboundary water resource shared by the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Mozambique.

KOBWA and INMACOM staff after the MoU signing ceremony

The key objective of the MoU is to:Promote Regional Water Security: The collaboration seeks to advance water security in the region by aligning the management strategies of both institutions, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of the basin's water resources. Integrated Transboundary Management: KOBWA's expertise in the Komati Basin and INMACOM's focus on the Incomati and Maputo Basins create a unique opportunity to integrate water management efforts, addressing local and basin-wide challenges. Data and Knowledge Sharing: The partnership emphasizes the importance of sharing critical water data and research, improving decision-making, monitoring, and management of shared water resources.

INMACOM Interim Executive Secretary Mr. Spencer Green-Thompson making his remarks during the signing ceremony.

Mr. Trevor Shongwe, CEO of KOBWA, stated that through the MoU, "both institutions will collaborate on academic and scientific research, focusing on surface and groundwater data, water quality, and resource sustainability within the Komati Basin." This partnership aims to foster knowledge exchange, enhance technical capacity, and promote regional expertise in integrated water resource management. Additionally, INMACOM and KOBWA will design and implement joint water management projects that tackle common challenges in the basin, such as water conservation, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience. Mr. Shongwe added, "The two institutions will jointly explore funding opportunities to support the implementation of their shared projects and initiatives".

KOBWA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Trevor Shongwe and INMACOM Interim Executive Secretary Mr. Spencer Green-Thompson signing the MoUs.

The MoU, signed by KOBWA CEO Mr. Trevor Shongwe and INMACOM Interim Executive Secretary Mr. Spencer Green-Thompson, marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two institutions. This collaboration will ensure effective service delivery and protect the interests of the Member States - Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique - who approve activities in the Inkomati and Maputo River Basins. Together, they will work towards lasting solutions for the sustainable management of water resources, ensuring benefits for present and future generations while safeguarding ecosystems and livelihoods in the region.