The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in South Africa published a notice for comments draft regulations on Government Gazette Notice No. 48294, opening a window for interested parties and individuals to submit written comments regarding the access and use of government waterworks, specifically state dams, for recreational purposes.
According to Section 113 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), the water and surrounding state-owned land of state dams may be made available for recreational purposes.
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Objective
The purpose of these regulations is to address various objectives, including the application of precautionary approaches to recreational water use, the utilization of recreational water use for economic growth, human resource development, capacity building, employment creation, and ecological balance consistent with national development objectives.
The regulations also aim to protect the biodiversity of aquatic and associated ecosystems, minimize pollution of water resources, ensure broad and accountable participation in decision-making processes for resource management planning, ensure compatibility of recreational water use with other water uses, ensure the safety of recreational water users, and minimize associated risks for the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Following the public comment period, the department plans to conduct extensive public consultations in all nine provinces of the country. These consultations will provide an opportunity for various stakeholders and members of the public with interests in accessing and using these government facilities and infrastructures for recreational purposes to provide input.
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