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The UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Prof. Hubert Gijzen has bemoaned poor management of water, especially ground water in many parts of the world. He was speaking during the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Seminar on Integrated Urban Water Resources Management Plan for Harare (Zimbabwe) held on 30 July 2021. 

Prof. Gijzen said while we all know the slogan ‘Water is life’, the way we manage water is contrary to the letter and spirit of the slogan.

He said the management of ground water is extremely worrisome, as people cannot directly see the water. He added that sustainable management of water is critical in addressing some of the challenges the world faces today, including food security and provision of safe and sufficient water for healthy people and a healthy environment. 

The Regional Director said some of the reasons leading to poor management of water include: ignorance; unawareness of the negative impacts of poor water management; negative attitude; poor and uncoordinated institutional arrangements; lack of ownership; and lack of vision and leadership.

Offering solutions, Prof. Gijzen said there is need for a better understanding and awareness of the water vulnerabilities and challenges. He said there is need to generate a broad understanding about the fact that if managed properly, water can be an instrument of poverty alleviation, economic development and can potentially bring prosperity to all. 

He also said there is need for a vision that links long term sustainable water management to all other relevant sectors: energy, food, economy, health and environment; a compelling yet simple/concise strategy, agreed and operationalized at large scale; as well as commitment (political, financial, intellectual and general public).