Strengthening partnerships in water resources management

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) have formally established a partnership that will harness their skills and resources in the field of water resources management.

Fresh water makes up only 3% of all water on planet earth, and of this very small percentage, not all of it is accessible. Furthermore, both Namibia and Botswana have arid climatic conditions which make them among the driest countries in sub- Saharan Africa. These are the reasons why NUST and BUAN have joined forces to play their part in ensuring that the limited water we have is available in sufficient quantity and quality.

The two institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting the stage for an exciting partnership. The NUST–BUAN partnership’s primary aim is operationalising the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) Research Chair in Water Resource Quantity and Availability. BUAN’s Prof Ditiro Benson Moalafhi, a renowned academic in the water sector, has been awarded the Research Chair position.

“I am reliably informed that the Chair promotes an integrated system of research, training, information and documentation on Water Resources Quantity and Availability. This supports development and deployment of innovative, excellent and collaborative education and research at Doctoral degree level complemented by selected tailor-made training programme for decision-makers and industry. This speaks to our mandate of capacity development and ongoing professional development,” NUST Vice- Chancellor, Dr Erold Naomab remarked. Prof Othusitse Madibele, the BUAN Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Research, also expressed his institution’s commitment to ensuring the success of this partnership.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior management from NUST, BUAN, SASSCAL, and doctoral candidates.