Water critical to development - dti

(Image: GCIS)

Thabethe was speaking at the Zimbabwe Water Resources and Infrastructure Investment Summit, which took place in Bulawayo on Monday.

"We recognise the fact that water is critical to sustainable socio-economic development and growth. We also believe and agree that water should be at the core of the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. We are all committed to seeing a better continent without a lot of emissions," said Thabethe.

South Africa has limited water resources and is regarded as the 30th most water-scarce country in the world.

"Water plays a critical function in our economy in South Africa where it contributes 60% towards agriculture and irrigation," she said.

The deputy minister is in Zimbabwe to participate in the 54th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair where 47 South African companies are participating. The trade fair is on now and ends on 27 April 2013.

"The Census 2011 established that 91% of the population have access to improved water sources, and 79% have access to improved sanitation. The improvement is the result of the country's 15 water provision authorities including local and district local municipalities, driven by the Millennium Development Goals, climate change, improved framework for government and financing," she explained.

The United Nations declared 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation.

"The objective of this International Year is to raise awareness, both on the potential for increased cooperation, and on the challenges facing water management in light of the increase in demand for water access, allocation and services," she said.

South Africa, she said is committed to strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries in developing water resources that are sustainable such as the Katse Dam in Lesotho.