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Sweden approves US$4 million for regional water Fund
Swedish Development Agency (SIDA)
August 03, 2005

Zimbabwe: Harare- Today, the Swedish Development Agency (Sida) and the Institute of Water and Sanitation Development (IWSD) signed a SEK $30 million (approx. US$4 million) to support the third phase of the Water Research Fund for Southern Africa (Warfsa).

The purpose of the Fund is to build individual and institutional capacity through supporting research projects that address the integrated approach to water management and use. Part of the emphasis of the third phase will be attention towards social sectors, and issues of HIV/Aids, culture, human rights and gender.

Acting Head of Mission, Izabella Eriksson, hailed the Warfsa initiative and called on traditionally non-water sectors to get involved.

"It is pleasing to note that Warfsa recognises the importance of non-water issues such as culture, HIV/AIDS, governance and human rights to the sustainable use of water resources. Water is a social and economic good. As such, there is a strong need for other sectors to play their part", said Eriksson.

Explaining the integrated approach to water resources management, Sida Regional Programme Officer, Kumbulani Murenga said that Sida has experienced that the development problems faced by countries in the region are so complex and demanding that prioritisation does not lie within the water sector alone.

"The goal of the integrated approach is to promote social equity, economic efficiency and environmental justice. In light of the ever-changing context of water resources management in Southern Africa, Sida has learnt that initiatives such as Warfsa can not be effective as isolated processes," he said.

The regional Water Research Fund for Southern Africa (WARFSA) was initiated in 1999 to support research projects addressing joint management and utilisation of water resources in the Southern Africa.

The first phase was funded to the tune of US$1.2 million, and the second phase for US1.6m by Sida. The Fund is managed by the Institute of Water and Sanitation Development (IWSD). The IWSD is a Zimbabwean based regional NGO aimed at addressing issues of sustainable development and management of water resources, through capacity building of national, regional and international institutions.

Contacts

Sizani Weza, Communications Officer,
Embassy of Sweden in Harare
Email: sizani.weza@sida.se
Tel: +263-4-302636

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