In the Agreement that established the ORASECOM, the Commission is regarded as an international organisation with international and national legal personality. The Commission is empowered to serve as the technical advisor of the Parties on matters relating to the development, utilisation and conservation of the water resources of the Orange-Senqu River Basin. The Commission will also perform other functions pertaining to the development and utilisation of the water resources as the Parties may agree to assign to the Commission. ORASECOM is viewed as an important forum to discuss water matters of mutual interest at a technical level. It may also execute the necessary feasibility studies to enable the Commission to recommend the most feasible technical solutions based on the understanding and use of available information.

While these are noble and worthwhile strategic objectives, it is imperative that the relevant role-players who will effect these recommendations are well capacitated in the execution of their assessment and advisory functions. The need to ensure capacity building of the technical staff, experts, commissioners and stakeholders on an ongoing and sustainable basis is the primary context within which this study will be undertaken. The fact the ORASECOM is in fact not a mature organisation, having only been established in 2000, further emphasises the need to provide sound capacity building as the foundation upon which the Commission will advance into the efficient execution of its functions and mandates. Ideally, once capacitated, the Commission should be in a position to stimulate and coordinate development within the Orange-Senqu Basin by advising the member states about the availability of water, the results of feasibility studies and the most viable options for infrastructure development.