Public hearings on the Draft National Water Policy Review (NWPR) got underway at the Cape Town Lodge today (Tuesday 10 September). The objective of the engagements is to obtain inputs and to identify gaps in the proposed key policy positions. The Policy seeks to chart the way forward on the allocation and regulation of water resources and presents 12 key positions.
These include;
- Water trading between authorised water-users
- Social and economic equity in re-allocation of water
- Multiple water approach in planning infrastracture
- Application of a “use –it of lose-it principle
- Access to basic water supply
- Free basic water service to indigent households
- Economic regulation
- Functions of regional water utilities and water user associations
- Water allocation dispute resolution and others positions
The document has been released for public comment and on the first day of public hearings some robust engagements took place with different stakeholder including farming groups, Water Users Associations, Civil Society Organisations and Municipalities making deliberations.
On 30 August this year DWA issued a notice in the government gazette, inviting public and interested parties to make comments on the proposed National Water Policy Review.
Any person who wishes to make written submissions or comments in connection with the proposed National Water Policy Review can do so before the 10th of October 2013.
For more information about the National Water Policy Review please visit the Department of Water Affairs’ website on WWW.DWA.GOV.ZA and click NWPR link.
For more information contact:
Mr Rashid Khan
Cell: 082 809 2218
For media enquires contact:
Mr Malusi Rayi
Cell: 083 320 1249
WATER IS LIFE, ENJOY IT, CONSERVE, RESPECT IT
