The central importance of water resources is widely recognized across all dimensions of sustainable development and in the global effort to end poverty. Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on water and sanitation, aims to ensure universal access to safe water and sanitation while promoting the sustainable management of water resources by 2030.

Despite the existence of water-sector legislation such as the National Water Resources Council Act of 1979 (NWRC Act 1979)—which established the National Water Resources Committee—and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA 1994), among others, the water sector continues to face persistent challenges. These challenges stem largely from inadequate enforcement of the provisions within these Acts, resulting in unsustainable exploitation of water resources. If not urgently addressed, these weaknesses could lead to irreversible environmental and socio-economic consequences.

It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters intends to develop a Revised National Water Resources Policy (2025–2034).

The purpose of the water policy is to address the challenges that hinder the efficient and effective management of the country’s water resources through the development of a Revised National Water Resources Policy (2025–2034).