Country briefs and individual briefs, 2002
Handouts B
Country brief Mozambique, 1990 Economically Mozambique is nearly bankrupt, but a peace deal with Renamo is within sight. So there is for the first time since c. 1982 a real possibility of peace in Mozambique. With the prospect of a settlement with Renamo, there is the perspective for economic reconstruction: this will, among others, imply: reviving the various irrigation schemes, and especially the sugar industry at Xinavane and Marracuene (Maragra), and rice cultivation near Macia. As well as the tourism industry at the mouth of the estuary of the Incomati. Furthermore, it will require rehabilitating the ailing water supply of the city of Maputo, whose water needs (which are met from Pequenos Libombos dam on the Umbeluzi river) are therefore expected to increase rapidly, and may, in some time in future, require additional water from the Incomati. All these projects that may become possible once a peace settlement has been reached with Renamo, and once South Africa attains democratic rule, will require massive capital investments. A liberated South Africa may provide some of the capital required. So it is in the interest of Mozambique to keep friendly political relations with its neighbouring countries despite the recent history of destabilisation by South Africa. The main stake of Mozambique in negotiating the Incomati river basin is as follows: Ensure that more water from the Incomati flows undisturbed into Mozambique; especially at Ressano Garcia (Incomati), and from the Sabie (just upstream of Corumana). Protect your interests and projected future needs to the maximum.
WaterNet / CCR / ISRI / Catalic / UNESCO-IHE Delft / UZ for UNESCO
Course B
Conflict Prevention and Cooperation in International Water Resources
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