New Chairperson for National Water Advisory Council

The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, has appointed Mr Jay Bhagwan, a Director at the WRC, Chairperson of the National Water Advisory Council for a period of three years. The Council’s task is to advise the Minister on various matters relating to water.

To advise the Minister on:

§ General Policy formulation with regard to all water matters falling under the jurisdiction of the Minister;

§ Priority development projects which may be referred to the Council by the Minister;

§ Environmental and ecological sensitive issues connected to the development of water resources;

§ Water resources financing policies and subsidisation issues; and

§ The development of an institutional framework relating to water in South Africa and to evaluate existing institutional arrangements in the water sector.

To advise the Minster on policy matters pertaining to the management, merits, applicability and implementation of the following:

§ Aspects impacting or affecting the hydrological cycle or the water resources of the country including the development and protection of groundwater resources, the use of purified effluents, water emanating from inter-basin transfers and the exploitation and development of any unconventional water sources;

§ Matters dealing with the apportionment of water and water resources, the protection of these resources and the control and conservation measures required to achieve these aims, e.g. control areas;

§ Education:- awareness and conservation campaign;

§ RDP:- water related projects;

§ Rainfall stimulation;

§ Disaster control and crisis management:-

„ Pollution spills and accidents

„ Droughts and floods;

§ Water quality and pollution control;

§ Water Boards:- liaison, relations, co-operation, functions, operation, management, control and responsibilities; and

§ Institutions:- co-operation, liaison and relations with Tertiary Education Institutions, CSIR, SABS, WRC, etc.

To advise the Minister on recreational matters such as the handling, policy and management of water surface of State dams and adjacent areas under the control of the Department.

To advise the Minister on conservation measures and the protection and enhancement of the environment as far as water related matters are concerned.

To evaluate and advise the Minister on policy matters, research and strategy regarding irrigation, tariffs, water quality and water usage by:

§ Indirect means e.g. soil conservation, evaporation, afforestation, alien plants and dry land crops and water requirements for the reserve; and

§ Direct means e.g. primary use by local authorities, communities, water boards, irrigation, industry, agriculture, mines, etc.

With the Department’s operations being redirected from nine (9) provincial orientated regions to catchment management areas, advice will be required on second and third tier responsibilities, structures, procedures, institutions and related matters.  Advice on the guidelines on how shared or strategic resources and usage should be handled and controlled will also be required as well as how disputes should be resolved.

To study and evaluate any water related matter, issue or report referred to the Council by the Minister or undertake any specific task required by him/her.