The European Union (EU) funded support to the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) forms part of the EU’s wider African Transboundary Rivers support programme. The feasibility study for the project was undertaken in consultation with the SADC Water Sector Support Unit during 2005 and the Terms of Reference for the services tender were prepared in the first half of 2007, in consultation with the ORASECOM Interim Secretariat and SADC. The project was put out to tender in mid 2007, and the tender was awarded in early 2008. The project resources are secured by a Financing Agreement between the EU and SADC, and are managed by the Delegation of the European Commission (DEC) in Gaborone, Botswana. SADC is consequently the de jure client for the project.

The project will, however, be delivered through the ORASECOM Secretariat, who is therefore the de facto client for the work. This dynamic has influenced the development of the proposals in this Inception Report. A consortium of WS Atkins International Ltd, Pegasys Strategy and Development, and Water for Africa were awarded the tender in early 2008, and the Team Leader began work on 1 March 2008. An inception period of three months followed. This Inception Report covers the period 1 March 2008 to 31 May 2008, and details the proposed Activities for the project, the allocation of the project resources to these Activities, as well as the project management and monitoring and evaluation procedures. These proposals have been distilled from discussions with the ORASECOM Executive Secretary as well as the various ORASECOM structures, SADC and the EU. It is believed that the proposals outlined in this report meet the needs of ORASECOM, and will make a significant contribution to strengthening the organisation.