Project title
Assessment of the Groundwater Resources Potential of the SADC region (Project GP‐
5)
Project sponsors
The project proponent is the SADC Groundwater and Drought Management Project
with the SADC Member States Water Sector Ministries providing the lead agencies.
Participating countries
All SADC Member States
Objectives
A pilot SADC regional project with the following objectives should be formulated and
implemented, which will inform the SADC region:
To bring awareness of the critical role that groundwater plays in providing water
to at least 70% of the SADC region population;
To assess the groundwater capacity, abstraction rates and recharge capabilities of
aquifer systems of the SADC region, bearing in mind that most of these aquifer
systems are fossil waters and not renewable;
To have a comprehensive SADC regional hydro‐geological map produced;
To ensure, through the project, that provisions on groundwater management are
included in shared watercourse agreements, particularly for trans‐boundary
aquifers;
To improve groundwater modelling; and
To improve the understanding of the protection and recharge mechanisms of
groundwater resources.
Project description
Groundwater is of critical importance in the SADC region, as it is the main source of
water for at least 70% of the population. However, very little is known in the SADC
region regarding underground water in general and its interaction with surface water
in particular. Groundwater usually provides a secure and cost‐effective water supply
solution, requiring little or no treatment in arid regions where surface water is
seasonal, in rural areas with dispersed populations, for stock watering and for small
town water supplies. Groundwater provides a cushion against droughts, and many
boreholes and protected wells have been drilled and sunk during drought events.
Expected results
The knowledge gained from this project will assist in the planning and development of
water resources and related infrastructure developments in the SADC Member States
and the region in general.
Ongoing related activities in the The SADC Groundwater and Drought Management Project
region
Description of national plan to the SADC Member States would participate in the project through their Water Sector
project
management institutions.
Status
The project can be considered to be in Phase 2 of the ICA Project Development
Phases.
Next steps
The project would start with the drafting of the ToR for the project in 2013, tendering
for the consultancy work in 2013 and commencement of execution of the project in
2014 ending in 2020.
Business model
This is a study.
Main parties in place
SADC Water Division and the SADC Member States.
Main parties to be procured
Possible project financiers are UNEP, GEF and the AfDB.
Project challenges
The major project challenge foreseen is timely sourcing of project finances.
Project documentation available
1. http://www.sadc‐groundwater.org last accessed 10 February 2012.
2. http://iwlearn.net/iw‐projects/970 last accessed 10 February 2012.
Intervention requiring financing
Project to be presented for grant financing during the planned 1st SADC Infrastructure
Investment Summit and Conference to be held in the last quarter of 2012.
Revenues for financing repayment This is a study that will end with an informed position to facilitate the efficient
management of the SADC groundwater resources. Future benefits will manifest in all
the aquifer riparian states, as they can plan and compliment groundwater with surface
water infrastructure.
Estimated total cost
It is estimated that the total cost of the project would be US$15 million.
Execution period
After project funding is secured in 2012, the project will be executed from 2013 and
be completed in 2020.
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