Minister Sonjica launches WRC Project No K5/1496

Project No K5/1496, 'A Stakeholder Driven Catchment Plan for the Kat River Valley', was officially launched by the Minister of Water Affairs & Forestry, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, on 20 October. The project, funded primarily by the WRC, was led by Rhodes University, Institute for Water Research (IWR). Much of the research was aimed at initiating the formation of catchment management groups. These endeavours have been based on the enabling framework of the National Water Act of 1998.

Minister Sonjica complimented the various stakeholders, especially the cachment forum members and the Kat River Water Users Association. The Minister’s visit was a great morale booster for members of the catchment forum. The tour also included a visit to the Riverside citrus packing shed, where Minister Sonjica was welcomed with great enthusiasm by workers. The driving force behind the event was Sharon Birkholz from the IWR. The event was also televised on SABC 1 and SABC 2.