Call for Public comments on the Draft National Water Resources Strategy Edition Three (NWRS-3)

The National Water Act (NWA), Act No. 36 of 1998, calls for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to develop the National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS) as a policy framework to ensure that the nation’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled.

The NWRS is the legal instrument and is recognised as the primary mechanism to manage water across all sectors of society towards achieving National Government’s development objectives. The first and second editions of the National Water Resources Strategy were published in 2004 and 2013, respectively.

The purpose of the third edition of the National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS-3) is to ensure water security and to enable equitable access to water and sanitation in support of socio-economic growth and development. This Strategy is for all sectors and stakeholders who use and impact upon South Africa’s water resources.

It responds to NWA by outlining strategic objectives and strategic actions within various key chapter topics that are aligned and then carried forward for resourcing and implementation under the scope of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP).

The NWRS-3 was approved by Cabinet for gazetting for public consultation. The gazette was issued on Friday, 29 July 2022 on the Government Notice No. 47133 for 90 days commenting period, starting from 29 July 2022 until 29 October 2022. The planning process for public consultations is underway,

As per the requirements in the National Water Act, the document can be accessed from the DWS website, www.dws.gov.za for a soft copy or a request can be sent for copies to be shared via email. Upon request, printed copies can also be found at the DWS offices. Written comments can be sent via e-mail to Ms Mahadi Mofokeng on MofokengM2@dws.gov.za or Mr Nhlakanipho Mkhize on MkhizeNh@dws.gov.za .