South Africa and Netherlands form partnership for water
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is in the process of establishing 9 Catchment Management Agencies (CMA) a reduction and realignment from the previous 19 Water User Associations (WUA) that existed along the Upper and Lower Orange River. To facilitate this process and share experiences, a bilateral partnership named the Kingfisher Programme was formed between South Africa and the Netherlands.
The reorganisation involves the decentralisation of tasks from the DWS to Catchment Management Agencies. The Kingfisher Programme supports this development by providing Dutch expertise around water authorities and municipalities.
The Kingfisher Programme, which came about through a unique partnership between the Netherlands’ Association of Local Governments and the Association of Regional Water Authorities, brings together South African and Dutch water authorities and municipalities. Through a colleague-to-colleague approach this programme works towards improved local water management.
The Dutch delegation started their visit to South Africa on 26 June 2016 and will be in the country until 1 July 2016. Their visit will include tours to Gariep Dam and hydropower station, The Boegoeberg WUA and Kakamas hydro-scheme.
For more information contact:
Mr Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
Ms Kido Thoabala
Cell: 082 612 1796
