Today 06 November 2023 Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) supported by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) kickstarted the Compliance and Enforcement Klein Karoo follow up Blitz in Oudtshoorn today.
Ms Noluthando Ndlumbini, Compliance and Enforcement Manager says the week's Compliance and Enforcement Blitz is aimed at following up on enforcement actions taken during November 2021 as well as implementing further enforcement actions to curb illegal water use activities and to ensure compliance with the National Water Act following allegations of illegal water uses within the Klein Karoo Region, and these include diversion of rivers, illegal abstractions, alleged building or expanding existing dams without prior authorization from the authority.
During the next 5 days BOCMA and the DWS Blue Scorpion Inspectorate will visit properties including farms in Oudtshoorn and surrounding areas, to assess compliance with the National Water Act 36 of 1998. “In cases of non-compliance, owners will be issued with pre-directives and directives to remedy the situation,” says Ndlumbini.
Some of the assessments including
- Verifying if the water meters are installed as per directives issued.
- Verifying if water usage is in line with the National Water Act 36 of 1998
- Verifying progress of properties in remedial works emanated in 2021.
Ndlumbini further states that Government have adopted a zero tolerance of illegal water activities. “We endeavor to support all water users to comply with the National Water Act. However, in instances where water users ignore the law blatantly, we will be left with no choice but to seek criminal action against them.
BOCMA and DWS is heartened by the property owners who opened and welcomed the team’s conducting assessments. Ndlumbini concludes by thanking all those water users who have acting responsibly in caring for the environment.
For more information contact
Ms Malehlohonolo Mlabateki
Cell: 063 883 8696
Wisane Mavasa
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
