Water Resources Management Authority Services
Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) provides Water Permitting Services to all water users across the country. It is one of the management instruments for allocating water resources to water users in Zambia. According to the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011 (Sections 70, 71 and 72) the use of water from any water resource, except for domestic and non-commercial purposes, requires a permit or authorization. WARMA’s approach to regulating the use of water in Zambia is based on international best practices of integrated water resources management (IWRM) in line with the country’s national development agenda. The approach is governed by a core principle laid down in the Water Resource Management Act which states that “Water shall be used efficiently, sustainably and beneficially in the public interest for the present and future generations”. The following are some of the services being provided by the Authority:
- Water Permitting (i.e Surface Water Permitting, Ground Water Permitting & Dewatering)
- Regulation and Compliance
- Drought and Flood Forecast
- Water Quality and Environment
The Authority also take gender and climate change dimensions into account to perform the following key organizational functions:
- Ensure the sustainable and rational utilization, management and development of water resources.
- Establish and maintain an integrated water resources management information system that is easily accessible by all users.
- Provide access to water resources of acceptable quality and quantity for various uses.
- Set standards and guidelines for undertaking water resources management and development.
- Provide comprehensive advice to the Minister responsible for water on policies for utilization, management and development of water resources.
Water is a basic human need and as such domestic and non-commercial needs shall enjoy first priority on the allocation of use. The environment is a water user and shall enjoy second priority of allocation. There shall be equity between all genders in accessing water resources.