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Namibia to unlock mechanisms on groundwater resource to avert water crisis

Xinhua, July 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BRGM, the French Geological Survey to establish a framework for the identification and management of groundwater resources.

The framework is a critical subject for Namibia in view of the current water shortage crisis.

The signing of the 5 year agreement on Thursday, identified specific activities like the exchange and enhancement of scientific and technical knowledge to strengthen the scientific and technical capabilities of MAWF with respect to groundwater resources development and use.

Furthermore the agreement will look into groundwater investigations and studies in Namibia, exchange visits of scientists and specialists, sharing scientific technical information, as well as training of individual scientists through participation in collaborative projects.

Speaking at the signing, Jean-Phillippe Rancon, BRGM Area Manager, Sahelin, Southern and Eastern Africa International Division, said the MoU was a milestone which will be fruitful. "It has the strong support from France," he added.

He said that the next step would be to build a joint work program, to present to the EU for funding as soon as possible, in conjunction with the ministry.

Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Sophia Kasheeta, said that specific plans will be discussed immediately to get the project on track and she added that BGRM came at the right time.

Meanwhile, towards the end of June, the Namibian President, Hage Geingob declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing drought as water resources remain scarce and vulnerable, mainly due to the arid and variable nature of its climate. Enditem