The recently launched Orange-Senqu River Basin Third Joint Survey Report has raised concerns about the declining water quality in the river basin. The survey, conducted by the Orange-Senqu River Basin Commission (ORASECOM), was presented during an event in Aussenkehr.

Covering nearly one million square kilometres across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho, the Orange-Senqu River Basin faces growing challenges. Orasecom's survey attributes the decline in water quality to the expansion of mining and agricultural activities, poor wastewater and solid waste management, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.

Chief Hydrologist Aune Amwaama from Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture stressed the need to improve sanitation facilities, wastewater treatment systems, and solid waste management to prevent pollution. She highlighted the importance of managing agricultural practices and mining activities to reduce harmful runoff into the river system.

"We need to improve our wastewater treatment systems and manage solid waste, like plastics, which often end up in the river. It’s essential for all stakeholders to play a role in maintaining and improving water quality," Amwaama said.

The report was launched by Petrus Nangolo, Deputy Executive Director of Land Reform, Resettlement, and Regional Programme Implementation, who emphasized the need for continuous efforts by member states to manage the basin effectively. He called on public-private partnerships to contribute funding, noting that member states directly benefit from the river basin's resources.

"The discussion needs to move forward, and it’s critical for all stakeholders, including those benefiting from the basin, to invest in its management. We cannot rely solely on international partners to fund these activities," Nangolo stated.

Mahlalele Setlhako, a GIZ SADC Transboundary Water Management Technical Advisor, emphasized the importance of integrated water management across African countries to ensure sustainable water provision. The event also highlighted the impact of plastic pollution and other human activities on rivers and oceans.