The Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) has signed a significant contract with Botswana to develop and manage a comprehensive water management system in the southern African nation, reports The Korea Herald. The deal, valued at 22.7 billion won ($15.7 million), was finalized with Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs.
The project aims to address Botswana’s chronic water scarcity issues, exacerbated by climate change, prolonged droughts, and shifting rainfall patterns. The initiative will focus on the Limpopo River, a crucial water source near the capital, Gaborone. Over the next three years, until 2028, K-water will implement a remote sensing and real-time monitoring system to track water and precipitation levels. A dedicated control room will also be established close to the river.
Botswana has prioritized national water resource management in response to intensifying clean water security concerns across Africa. Minister of Lands and Water Affairs Oneetse Ramogapi emphasized the significance of the project, stating, "In a situation where water security is desperately needed to sustain rapid economic growth, the introduction of K-water’s water management technology is expected to alleviate (Botswana’s) water crisis."
K-water’s collaboration with Botswana dates back to 2017, with efforts to develop a master plan and conduct feasibility studies. The partnership gained momentum at COP28 in December 2023 after discussions between K-water CEO Yun Seog-dae and Botswana’s former Lands and Water Affairs Minister Kefentse Mzwandile, culminating in K-water being designated as the sole contractor.
K-water CEO Yun highlighted the "significant importance" of the contract, noting that it represents the company's first export of its water management technology to Africa. "We view this as an opportunity for not just our company to advance but for additional economic cooperation with other partnering companies in Africa."
The initiative promises to enhance Botswana’s water resilience and ensure sustainable management of its vital water resources.
