ORASECOM welcomes new head, Executive Secretary – Molosiwa
The transboundary river basin organisation of four countries, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa, Orange – Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) welcomes the new chief accounting officer and Secretariat head, Executive Secretary (ES), Mr Comfort Molosiwa, a national of the Republic of Botswana.
Mr Molosiwa takes over as the first Botswana citizen to occupy this executive position after the inaugural ORASECOM Executive Secretary, Mr Lenka Thamae from the Kingdom of Lesotho. The new Executive Secretary assumed his position on the 01st of May 2024, on a five-year contract.
Mr Molosiwa holds a Master’s degree in Hydrogeology from the University of London, a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Connecticut and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Hydrogeology from the University College London. He brings a wealth of experience in the water and natural resources field to ORASECOM, with over 40 years working in the public service, private sector, and international organisations.
Executive Secretary joins ORASECOM at a critical time when the organisation is undergoing the review of its environmental Strategic Action Plan (SAP) as it draws to conclusion and to develop a new 10 year SAP. The ORASECOM’s all-encompassing Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRMP) is also ending this year, hence the arrival of Mr Molosiwa is ideal as he is expected to spearhead the development of the new one and its execution.
The new Executive Secretary, Mr. Molosiwa steps into ORASECOM at a pivotal juncture as the organisation strives to operationalise its Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. With the formulation of an infrastructure investment plan and certain basin-wide strategies completed, ORASECOM is gearing up to convene a donor conference later this year to secure financing for implementation. The new Executive Secretary, Mr. Molosiwa will play a crucial role in driving resource mobilization efforts and strategically positioning the organization to provide robust support to State Parties in executing these plans.
In his inaugural address to the Secretariat staff at the ORASECOM Head Office in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa, Mr Molosiwa said, “I would like to thank you all, especially the former Executive Secretary Thamae for taking this organisation from infancy to being a well-established river basin organisation”
He added that he was delighted to join an already strong team which will assist him in taking the organisation to greater hights and attain the aspirations and vision of ORASECOM.
Furthermore, Executive Secretary Molosiwa had an opportunity to pay a courtesy call to South Africa’s Ms Lindiwe Lusenga, the acting Substantive Chairperson of the ORASECOM’s Council of Commissioners, as well as visit the ORASECOM Lesotho office in Maseru. The office is managing the Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Project. He also met with delegates from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
During his visit, the Executive Secretary seized the chance to explore the proposed dam site for the Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer project. He emphasised the crucial need to accelerate feasibility studies, underscoring how this project could significantly enhance communities and stimulate economic growth across Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa.
During his meeting with the Lesotho delegation from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Executive Secretary expressed gratitude for their steadfast involvement in ORASECOM’s initiatives. He emphasized the importance of sustained engagement from the commissioners and called upon them to collaborate in overcoming obstacles, especially in expediting the completion of feasibility studies for the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project.
ORASECOM was formed to among other things promote the equitable and sustainable development of the resources of the Orange-Senqu River. ORASECOM provides a forum for consultation and coordination between the riparian states to promote integrated water resources management and development within the basin.
ENDS.