NEW WATER MANAGEMENT AREAS
Title: NATIONAL WATER ACT (36/1998): NEW NINE (9) WATER MANAGEMENT AREAS OF SOUTH AFRICA
Government Gazette Notice: GN 1056 in GG 40279 of 16 September 2016
Commencing date: 16 September 2016
In terms of section 5 of the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA) the Minister of Water and Sanitation must establish and publish a National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS). The first NWRS was published in 2004. As part of the second NWRS nine new water management areas (WMAs) have been established. A Catchment Management Agency (CMA) will be established in each WMA. Each CMA will be responsible for the development of a catchment management strategy for the water resources within its WMA. In the process of developing this strategy, a CMA must seek cooperation and agreement on water-related matters from the various stakeholders and interested persons. The catchment management strategy, which must be reviewed from time to time, must include a water allocation plan. A catchment management strategy must also set principles for allocating water to existing and prospective users, taking into account all matters relevant to the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of water resources.
The new nine WMAs are reflected above.
So what for my operation?
It is recommended that you determine the identity of the CMA that will be responsible for the management of water resources of the water catchment within which your operation falls, once established. It is, furthermore, important that you familiarise yourself with the CMA’s strategy, once compiled.
