THIS year's United Nations Water Day on March 22, 2012 will be commemorated at a time when the world's population now stands at a staggering seven billion people while sources of clean and fresh water are declining as the globe reels from the effects of climate change. According to the Science issue of July 14, 2000 one-third of the world's population is water stressed, with 8 percent classified as severely stressed, including the western United States and northern Mexico, South America, India, China, Africa surrounding the Sahara Desert, Southern Africa and Australia.

The article further states that: "Water stress has profoundly different meanings in developed and developing countries in Africa and many parts of Asia.It means inadequate water for drinking, sanitation and crops.

"In emerging economies such as India and China, it translates to an inability to meet the dietary and life aspirations of growing middle class."However, Zimbabwe will join the rest of the world to commemorate the day albeit on a happier note.

Zinwa and its predecessors have over the years planned and delivered on water supplies and continue in that trajectory. Zimbabwe boasts of holding the unparalleled position of being the country with the most dams by size and population in the world. This position has been reached and attained by the sheer determination and focus within the water authority over the years, pre- and post-independence in 1980.

In the last century, Zimbabwe and the water authorities have constructed massive inland lakes for industrial, agricultural and domestic use. Among the lakes are Kariba, Chivero, Mazvikadei, Mutirikwi and Osborne.

The country has other large dams like Darwendale, Mazowe, Bangala, Arcadia, Rusape and Susuji in addition to hundreds of small farm dams and water weirs.Zinwa has developed irrigation schemes across the country for small-scale farmers who cannot develop these facilities on their own.

The schemes are playing an important role in household food security and sustainable income.These schemes produce cereals like maize and market gardening produce such as tomatoes, onions, cabbages, carrots, beans and peas throughout the year.

Irrigation schemes have transformed lifestyles and communities in areas such as Mutoko, Mutambara, Nyanyadzi, Odzi and Zvimba where proceeds from irrigation schemes are becoming an indispensable part for household income. Government, however, is complementing Zinwa's role, through the Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Ministry.

To that end in November the ministry unveiled its irrigation rehabilitation programme for the current agricultural season.In addition, Zinwa team continues to plan and implement new large dam construction for irrigation and domestic use.

These are Mtshabezi and Gwayi-Shangaani in Matabeleland, Kunzwi in Harare and Tokwe-Murkosi in Masvingo Province.As we move closer to the March commemorations it goes without saying that Zinwa staff deserve recognition for their toil and sweat to ensure that Zimbabwe's fresh water supplies are sufficient.

The catchment areas continue to play a sterling role in maintaining, rehabilitating and managing Zimbabwe's water resources even under severe conditions. It is remarkable that despite the lost decade 2000 to 2010, Zinwa managed to keep and maintain the country's water supplies sufficient and usable.

The development of the Green Fuels Project in Chisumbanje and Sabi Valley will go a long way in proving Zinwa's capabilities in providing water resources. The revolutionary US$600 million project that is producing cane enough to supply 10 percent of the country's fuel needs and about 18 megawatts of electricity was only possible because of water availability in the semi-arid region.

Zinwa is looking ahead to a future full of optimism because its past speaks volumes of its achievements.

As the country gets ready to commemorate the Water Day, it should do so with pride as our growing population, industry and farming projects are assured of sufficient water resources by the water authority.