Government Moves to Modernise Water Act to Align with Constitution and Development Agenda

The Government has approved principles for the amendment of the Water Act in a landmark move aimed at aligning the legislation with the Constitution and strengthening the management of one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic national resources.

Addressing the media following a Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said Cabinet considered and noted the principles for the proposed amendments presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.

Dr Muswere said the reforms are designed to modernise the Water Act to ensure it responds to constitutional requirements, emerging water management challenges and the country’s evolving socio-economic development priorities.

He said the proposed amendments recognise water as a critical resource that underpins agricultural production, industrial growth, energy generation, public health and environmental sustainability, making its effective management central to Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.

According to Dr Muswere, the revised legislation will promote the prudent and equitable allocation of water resources while enhancing the protection of water sources to guarantee their availability for future generations.

The amendments are also expected to strengthen institutional accountability, improve regulatory oversight and establish a more comprehensive legal framework capable of addressing contemporary water governance challenges.

Once enacted, the new law will transform the Water Act from a statute focused primarily on resource management into a broader framework that fully incorporates constitutional provisions, economic development imperatives, environmental stewardship and sustainable utilisation of water resources.

The proposed reforms underscore Government’s commitment to safeguarding national water resources while creating a legislative environment that supports inclusive growth, climate resilience and long-term sustainable development.

By Witness A Phiri