THE Water Resources Management Authority has revealed that it has granted over 294 water permits for use of water for various economic activities.

In a statement, Monday, WARMA Public Relations Officer Mubiana Nalwendo said the 294 water permits that had been granted would facilitate the operationalisation of various economic sectors of the country, with a project value of approximately USD 221.0 Million.

“The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) Board of Directors convened on 31st March 2022 to consider and grant water permits to applicants for commercial water use across the country. This is in accordance with the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011 section 76 which mandates the authority to grant water permits to eligible applicants. The authority wishes to inform the public that out of 297 applications considered, a total of 294 water permits were granted out of which 246 were surface water permits and 48 groundwater permits were approved and granted. The permits granted were for use of water for various economic activities which include Agriculture, Industrial, Recreation, Municipal, Dewatering, and Aquaculture,” he said.

“The 294 water permits that have been granted will facilitate the operationalization of various economic sectors of the country with a project value of approximately USD 221.0 Million. The largest investment is in Agriculture with USD 220.6 Million, while Aquaculture is the least with USD 22 000.“

Mubiana reiterated WARMA’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s water resources were shared equitably, managed efficiently and used sustainably.

“The WARMA Board of Directors wishes to thank the general public and business houses that have supported the authority in its quest to ensure equitable access to water resources by all and further wishes to appeal to any interested party to come forward and apply for water permits for commercial use of water to safeguard their interests in accordance with the law. Further, the Board reiterates its commitment to ensuring that the country’s water resources are shared equitably, managed efficiently, used sustainably, and preserved for future generations,” said Mubiana.