ZINWA

ZINWA, short for the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, is the primary state-owned entity responsible for the management and regulation of water resources in Zimbabwe. Established in 1999 through the Water Act (Chapter 29:14), ZINWA operates under the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Climate, overseeing both surface and groundwater resources across the country. Its mandate includes the provision of safe drinking water, sanitation services, and the sustainable management of water infrastructure.

The authority’s responsibilities extend to water resource planning, licensing of water users, and enforcement of water laws to ensure equitable and efficient allocation. ZINWA also collaborates with local councils, private sector entities, and international partners to improve water supply networks, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Key projects under its purview include the expansion of water treatment plants, pipeline networks, and the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure to address water shortages and contamination.

Challenges faced by ZINWA include climate variability, aging infrastructure, and funding constraints, which have impacted service delivery in some regions. Despite these obstacles, the organization continues to implement reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and public participation in water governance. ZINWA’s strategic plans align with broader national development goals, such as the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-ASSET), to ensure long-term water security for the nation.