Water sector reforms and their implications in Botswana.

Over the past decade, countries around the world have undergone water refocus by developing a set of policies, legal and institutional reforms for effective water resources management. The Botswana National Water Master Plan of 1991 was reviewed and recommended that there be a clear separation of responsibilities between service delivery and water resources management. The implementation of the reforms is faced with inadequate funds, slow restructuring and establishment of water institutions, old legal framework and incompatible water infrastructure. This study assessed Botswana water reforms in relation to institutions, legal framework, progress and implications of the reform in the lives of Botswana and on overall IWRM. Data was collected through questionnaires, literature review, and interviews with key informants in the water sector. The results show an overlap in institutional mandates rendering some of the institutions mandates cumbersome. Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has taken 60% of the villages. The legal framework has not been reviewed to guide the reforms, only WUC Act was reviewed and approved by parliament. Major implication of the reform found were high water bills experienced in some villages. If fully implemented the reforms will relieve Department of Water Affairs, expand wastewater treatment plants and improve rural water supply. Willingness to pay should be conducted in rural areas, restructuring of water institutions and review of legal framework should be quickened.