The Zimbabwean government is set to overhaul the country’s water governance framework through proposed amendments to the Water Act and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) Act, a move aimed at improving water management, strengthening accountability, and aligning legislation with constitutional provisions.
Speaking during the Seventeenth Post-Cabinet Briefing on June 2, Cabinet announced that it had considered and noted principles for the amendment of the Water Act, citing the need to update existing legislation to reflect the country’s current development priorities. The principles were presented to Cabinet by the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Hon. Dr. Anxious Masuka.
Government said the reforms are necessary because water remains a critical resource underpinning all sectors of the economy, from agriculture and industry to energy production and public health.
“The judicious management and equitable allocation of water, while preserving every water source for the benefit of future generations, has become an imperative,” Cabinet noted.
According to the briefing, the proposed amendments will transform the Water Act from a law focused mainly on resource management into a broader legal framework that incorporates constitutional rights, economic development, environmental sustainability, institutional accountability, and stronger regulatory oversight.
Environmental experts have long argued that Zimbabwe’s water governance system requires modernization to respond to increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, pollution, and competing demands from agriculture, mining, and urban development.
In a related development, Cabinet also approved principles for amending the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act. The changes are intended to improve corporate governance and eliminate conflicts arising from ZINWA’s current dual role as both regulator and service provider.
Under the proposed reforms, ZINWA’s regulatory responsibilities would be transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, allowing the authority to focus solely on service delivery. Government says the change is in line with the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act and is expected to improve transparency and operational efficiency.
The reforms come at a time when Zimbabwe faces increasing water security challenges, including recurring droughts, declining water quality in some catchments, and growing demand for reliable water services in both urban and rural areas.
If enacted, the legislative changes could significantly reshape the country’s water governance landscape, placing greater emphasis on sustainability, accountability, and equitable access to one of Zimbabwe’s most critical natural resources.
