DGIS - Directorate General For International Cooperation Of The Netherlands

DGIS is currently supporting 2 projects in the Orange-Senqu River basin:

SADC- Hydrological Cycle Observing System (HYCOS), Phase III

Project Objective

The project aims to promote regional co-operation between the National Hydrological Services (NHS's) and set-up a regional information system on water resources.

Project Description

The SADC-Hydrological Cycle Observing System (HYCOS) Phase III is designed to consolidate and expand on project activities that were initiated during the previous two phases. The SADC-HYCOS project is part of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) programme of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

River Basin Organizations

The programme includes the following RBOs:

• Buzi
• Congo
• Kunene
• Cuvelai
• Incomati
• Limpopo
• Maputo - Usutu – Pongola
• Okavango
• Orange – Senqu
• Pungwe
• Ruvuma
• Save/Sabi
• Umbeluzi
• Zambezi

SADC-Hydrological Cycle Observing System (HYCOS) Phase II

Project Objectives

The project objectives are:

1. To assist the participating countries to establish the institutional capacity to assess the status and trend of their national water resources on a continuing basis and to provide adequate warnings of water-related hazards;
2. To establish basic hydrological monitoring and data capture systems, using technology that balances modernity, economy, robustness, and suitability for the circumstances of the SADC sub-region; and
3. To establish hydrological databases and information systems that provide users with the information they require, to the standards they need, and that provide a secure repository of information for an indefinite future.

Project Description

The SADC-Hydrological Cycle Observing System (HYCOS) Phase II is designed to consolidate and expand on project activities that were initiated during the first phase. The first phase promoted regional co-operation between the National Hydrological Services (NHS's) and set-up a regional information system on water resources. The SADC-HYCOS project is part of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) programme of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Project Components

This 2nd phase of the project builds on the achievements of the first phase of SADC-HYCOS and plans to deliver four distinct components:

• Improvement of the network of hydrological observing stations
• Further development of the regional and national water resources information systems
• Identification and development of hydrological products of regional interest
• Training and awareness building

The international partner organizations are the EC - European Commission
and the SADC Water Division. The regional implementing agency is the SADC Water Division.

River Basin Organizations

• Buzi
• Kunene
• Cuvelai
• Incomati
• Limpopo
• Maputo - Usutu – Pongola
• Nile
• Okavango
• Orange – Senqu
• Pungwe
• Ruvuma
• Save/Sabi
• Umbeluzi
• Zambezi