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As a transitory body, ABAKIR is responsible of the coordination, development and management of water, land and related resources to produce economic and social well-being of the populations of the Member States. In line with this role, ABAKIR is responsible of the watersheds of Lake Kivu and the Rusizi/Ruzizi River, which surface areas cover are 7 392 km² and 6 057 km², respectively – with a total surface area of 13 449 km², representing the entire basin area.

To ensure that ABAKIR meets its mission of promoting economic, industrial and social development in each of the Member States through optimising the benefits of water resources and increasing the use of water resources for energy production and other beneficial purposes while preserving the environment, the Authority works with Member States to put in place plans, systems and rules to ensure optimal use of the shared resources.

This will mostly be done by putting in place regulatory frameworks and a strong water permitting systems to ensure that all water uses are in line with the conventions that the three Member States signed, abide to international laws and benefits all the countries.

Water Permitting

Water resources in the Lake Kivu and Rusizi / Ruzizi River Basin are under increasing pressure from increasing urbanisation, population growth, energy generation, over-fishing and agriculture. To ensure that the shared water resources are used efficiently, effectively and wisely, ABAKIR will develop a permitting system to ensure that all users and all uses are done in line with the standards and regulations agreed up on by the Member States.

Regulation

ABAKIR is responsible of guaranteeing the efficient and sustainable management of water resources within the Lake Kivu and Rusizi /Ruzizi River basin. The Authority will work with member states to ensure that countries have harmonised legal and regulatory frameworks for the management, development, use and protection of water resources. This will guarantee the balance between the demands for water for consumption, the environment and other water uses and avoid any potential conflicts that may arise from such uses.