MUNITY SOUTHERN M CO AF T VE N DE LOPM EN CA RI RE REGIONAL STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN IV (2016 - 2020) T U W TO AR D SA C O M MO N FU FIGURE 6.1: INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE SADC WATER SECTOR 6.2.1 THE POLICY LEVEL The SADC Council of Ministers (Council) provides policy direction and oversight on the implementation of SADC programmes, including the RSAP. The sectoral ministers responsible for water provide overall guidance for the water sector and also provide linkages between the SADC region and the continental body – the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), which is a special committee of the African Union. The SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses (Protocol) tasks the SADC sectoral ministers responsible for water with the following responsibilities: • oversee the proper execution of the RSAP; • assist in resolving potential conflicts on shared watercourses; and • advise the Council on policies to be pursued. The ministers are advised by senior officials responsible for water, who are in-turn supported by the Water Resources Technical Committee (WRTC), comprised of national directors responsible for water, which is the technical clearing body for the SADC water sector. The Protocol tasks the WRTC with the following responsibilities: • • • • provide strategic direction to the RSAP; assess and approve RSAP projects; advise and coordinate the establishment of project steering committees; and supervise all other RSAP operations. 34 A Vehicle to implement the Water Component of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP)