Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Marko Ariath
Published on 2024-03-14 23:14:27
The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in South Sudan came together on March 12, 2024, to commission the launch and handover of five regional hydrological monitoring stations and data management systems (Hydromet). This significant event was officiated by Pal Mai Deng, the National Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, and Dr. Florence Grace, the Executive Director of the Nile Basin Initiative.
The primary purpose of these monitoring stations is to support water quality and sediment monitoring in various rivers within the Nile River basin in South Sudan, including the Naam River, River Sobat, and Atbara. Minister Pal expressed his gratitude towards the NBI for their commitment to regional water cooperation by providing these essential water monitoring and management systems. He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring the sustainability of the hydrological equipment and management, highlighting the importance of having monitoring stations for effective and regular monitoring of water levels, data collection, and analysis. These systems will play a crucial role in informing the government’s decisions on water-related issues and climate change mitigation strategies.
The establishment of the regional Hydromet in South Sudan is a groundbreaking initiative by NBI to bridge the critical data gap across ten states and three administrative areas. In an interview with a Talk of Juba reporter, Lutana Musa, the Director General for Climate Change and Meteorology, linked the devastating floods in the region to the lack of sufficient and accurate data. He emphasized that these Hydromets will support the government in understanding biophysical phenomena, engaging in informed water planning, and making evidence-based decisions to improve cooperative water resource management and development. Lutana highlighted the importance of having adequate data for planning irrigation to ensure food security and effective delivery of relief aid during emergencies.
Climate change and environmental activist Kuir Michael urged the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to expand the installation of monitoring stations across the country. He emphasized the benefits of having a comprehensive monitoring network, including better water resource management, data preparedness, increased food security through irrigation, and efficient delivery of relief aid to affected populations.
The Nile Basin Initiative is a regional intergovernmental partnership established by Nile Basin countries in 1999 to cooperatively manage and develop shared water resources in the region. South Sudan became a full member of the initiative in 2011, showcasing its commitment to sustainable water resource management and development.
Overall, the commissioning of the regional hydrological monitoring stations and data management systems in South Sudan marks a significant milestone in enhancing water resource management, promoting regional cooperation, and improving resilience to climate change impacts in the region. The collaboration between NBI and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation highlights the importance of leveraging technology and data-driven approaches to address water-related challenges and ensure the sustainable development of water resources in South Sudan.
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