| The availability and access to water strongly influences patterns of economic growth and social development (Alan, 2002). In this regard, the Southern African region faces considerable challenges in meeting the social and economic needs of its populations (Hirji et al., 2002). It has become increasingly important that water resource development takes place in the context of integrated water resource management (IWRM) with its main principles of equity (regarding access), efficiency (economic) and sustainability (environment). |
