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The Rhodesia Herald,  November 25, 1965 

ANY proposed scheme to use the waters of the Zambezi River would require international agreement between Portugal, Zambia and Rhodesia. 

The necessity of such an agreement was mentioned by Mr LR Wynn, Provincial Water Engineer, when he addressed the Bulawayo National Affairs Association. 

He said the Zambezi was an international river and any proposed abstraction had to be by international agreement. The Kariba Power Board had rights to store the flow of the Zambezi River, but the individual countries retailed the rights to tributaries. 

Mr Wynn said on the agricultural side, it was obvious that unless the water was subsidised, the cost would prohibit its use further from the Zambezi than about 15 miles. 

“If, in the national interest it was considered that Zambezi water should be used agriculturally in the heart of Matabeleland, then it would have to be sold at a cost not greater than 6 pounds per acre foot, and even this figure is too high for general food production.” 

LESSONS FOR TODAY 

The mighty Zambezi River “is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rivers, and the fourth-largest river basin on the continent.” 

 Although it is a major source of income for Zimbabweans, Zambians and Mozambicans, we should never lose focus of it being an international river. 

 According to one website www.internationalrivers.org, the Zambezi River “supports a growing population of over 30 million people scattered across eight riparian countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.” So, it does not only belong to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. 

It is home to the “big five” game animals and there is also the Zambezi Delta, a fertile haven for migratory water-birds, coastal mangroves and innumerable other species. 

 It is also home to the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Batoka Gorge, a breath-taking spot for what water rafting. 

  Although it is highly dammed, two hydro power projects along the River are notable: Kariba and Cahora Bassa — a sure sign that this indeed is an international river. 

 As water becomes a major security issue, it is important that nationalities of all these countries understand the political economy of natural resources around this Great River. So, nothing from this river, especially water is free.