LIMPOPO RIVER BASIN

Main informations
Name of Organization
Limpopo Water
LIMCOM
Administrative Address
 
E-Mail
beyersh@dwaf.gov.za
Head of Organization
Mr. Beyers Havenga
Year Launched
2003
Contacts
Total Area
414800km²
Length of River
1 750Km
Total Population
14million inhabitants
Total Rainfall

Varies from 290 mm/year to 1040 mm/year with a mean of 530 mm/year.

Irrigated Agriculture

The irrigation potential in this basin is estimated at 295,000 ha of which 242,000 ha are presently irrigated.

Rain-Fed Agriculture
 
Website
Basin
 
Geographical scope

This covers the Limpopo River and its tributaries of the Shashi and Elephant rivers.

Riparian Countries
Countries Area
Botswana
81500km²
Mozambique
87200km²
South Africa
183500km²
Zimbabwe
62600km²
Countries
 
Functions/Mandate

The objectives of LIMCOM are to advise the Contracting Parties and provide recommendations on the uses of the Limpopo, its tributaries, and its waters for purposes and measures of protection, preservation and management of the Limpopo. LIMCOM is a legal authority which advises the member states and provides recommendations on the uses, protection, preservation, and management of the Limpopo and its tributaries. The Council advises the Contracting Parties on the following matters, measures and arrangements to determine the long-term safe yield of water; the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Limpopo to support sustainable development in the territory of all member states; all aspects related to the efficient and effective collection, processing and dissemination of data and information and the development of contingency plans, investigations, and studies.

Organizational Structure

At the moment the Council which comprises of permanent members from member states is the only permanent structure. But other organs including a secretariat are planned.

Organizational Structure for Cooperation

The principal organ of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) is the Council, which consists of the member states’ delegations. Each government appoints three permanent members. Additionally, each delegation is allowed to be accompanied to the meetings by no more than three advisors. The Council can consult experts and establish working groups if necessary. The Council meets at least twice a year.

Management Plans and Action Programs
 
Monitoring and Information Systems

The Council advises the Contracting Parties on all aspects related to the efficient and effective collection, processing and dissemination of data and information with regard to the Limpopo.

Rules on Decision-Making and Procedure for Dispute Resolution

Decisions are adopted on the basis of consensus as long as a quorum of three delegations is realized. In the case of a dispute the conflicting parties are required to enter into negotiations. If a solution cannot be reached within six months, the dispute can be referred to the SADC Tribunal unless the parties agree otherwise. Decisions of the Tribunal are final and binding.

Financing of cooperation structures

Each member state covers the costs of its delegation. Meetings are financed by the hosting member state. All further costs or liabilities incurred by the Commission are equally covered by all member states.

Stakeholder Participation

Articles in the agreement require the Council to determine to what extent the inhabitants of the territory of each member state shall participate in the planning, utilization, sustainable development, protection, and conservation of the Limpopo.

Historical Record of Cooperation
 
Date Treaty name Signatories
1983-02-17
Tripartite Committee Agreement
Mozambique
South Africa
Swaziland
2003-11-27
Formation of LIMCOM Agreement
Bostawana
Mozambique
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Challenges