Andrew
Online Reporter
ON Tuesday, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Water Day.
The day is celebrated on March 22, annually.
This year’s World Water Day theme is: ‘Making the invisible visible, in recognition of the important role that groundwater plays in the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6).’
It is estimated that groundwater is the source of around 40 percent of the world’s water for irrigated agriculture, while an estimated one-third of all industrial needs globally also comes from groundwater.
Said deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Honourable Douglas Karoro:
“Zimbabwe continues to make considerable strides to fulfill its obligations under SDG6, and has in recent years committed significant resources in the development and construction of water infrastructure.
“This has seen the country embark on a massive drive to construct dams for the provision of water for agriculture and raw water for our major cities and towns.”
Mr Karoro said groundwater resources will play an enhanced role in the augmentation of water supplies to some of our towns such as Bulawayo.
Said UNESCO regional director for Southern Africa Professor Lidia Arthur Brito:
“The report calls on States to commit to developing adequate and effective groundwater management and governance policies in order throughout the globe address current and future water crises.”
Online Reporter