By KENNEDY MUPESENI –

THE Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has called for efficient planning in order to prevent drought and foster a conservative approach to water resource management in the country.
In a latest policy analysis, PMRC researcher Chileshe Chaunga said the Government must promote efficient and effective monitoring of both ground and surface water resources to ensure adequate planning.
“Promoting efficient and effective monitoring of ground and surface water will increase access to water amidst roaming rainfall drought which could affect farming in the country,” Ms Chaunga said.
Last year the Government came up with the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) by amalgamating the Water Board and the department of water affairs which are under the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Develop to efficiently manage water resources.
WRMA is a state corporation under the department of Water and Irrigation founded under the Water Act 2002.
The Institution is the lead agency in water resource management and its functions include developing principles, guidelines and procedures for the allocation of water resources, receiving and determining applications for permits for water use, and regulating and protecting water quality from adverse effects.
Ms Chaunga said that efficiency in the usage of water would promote increased access to water, infrastructure development, capacity building and institutional coordination for efficient and effective sustainable water development.
She said this would ensure that water resources were renewed and replenished as well as guarantee environmental management and protection of natural resources.
In cooperating with neighbouring countries, Zambia had since made progress with supporting organisations in regulating the provision of water supply and sanitation services in the country.