|
The study for the development of the water reconciliation strategy was anchored
by a technical and stakeholder engagement processes that are intertwined.
These processes are shown in the flow diagram below.
Technical process
The process started with a review of the current information. This is where
previous and current reports on the Olifants catchment were reviewed and
summarised.
From the summary of studies and the list of options it was possible to identify
which of the options were seemingly definite “no go” options because of findings
from previous studies, political unacceptability, realities on the ground, etc.
A screening workshop with the Key Stakeholders was arranged for dividing the
options into two groups, i.e. those that deserved further investigation (those
with potential and those that were possibilities) and those that could be
rejected outright.
The next action was to look at all the options that needed further
investigations and decide what further information was necessary. Certain
modelling scenarios were also identified.
Once a clear picture was formed of which options needed to be investigated,
their feasibility were determined. The environmental impacts of each promising
option were also assessed.
After having screened the options once again, and after identifying the
environmental impacts, the best options were selected and the strategies were
compiled.
The preliminary strategy was formulated halfway through the study. The final
strategy was delivered towards the end of the study after further investigations
had been completed.
The process of selecting the options was done in consultation with the Key
Stakeholders and Newsletters were distributed to keep the public informed.
Stakeholder Engagement Process
Study Steering Committee
The development of the water reconciliation strategy was guided by a Study
Steering Committee. All key stakeholders were represented on this committee.
Please see the composition of the SSC on the Steering Committe page of this
site. The functions of the Study Steering Committee were:
To exchange information with the study team To monitor progress with the strategy development To provide a balanced view in order to guide the study in the right direction.
Strategy Steering Committee
The Strategy Steering Committee will focus on the implementation of the strategy
and on ensuring that the strategy remains relevant and up to date.
The Study Steering Committee met twice a year and it is foreseen that the
Strategy Steering Committee will maintain this frequency.
DWA Study Managers
As the trustee of the country’s water resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation
(DWS) is responsible to ensure that the water requirements are reconciled with
the available water, also in this key area of the country – now and in the
future. It must however be realised that DWA is only facilitating the process of
water reconciliation planning and that implementation is the responsibility of
many more institutions.
The study for the strategy development was managed by a Study Manager from the
Directorate: National Water Resource Planning. This manager was supported by
representatives from other directorates in DWS who had an interest in the study
and who, together with the leaders of the professional service provider team,
formed the Study Management Team (SMT). A similar management structure will be
followed for the strategy continuation/ maintenance phase.
The SMT met approximately every second month for the development of the water
reconciliation strategy and it is anticipated that the SMT for the continuation/
maintenance of the strategy will maintain this frequency.
Outputs
The main outputs for the study on the development of the reconciliation strategy
were the Preliminary and Final Water Reconciliation Strategies for the water
supply area.
The two strategies were based on 16 Supporting Reports, including the Study
Inception Report. Each of the Supporting Reports (with the exception of the
Inception Report) addressed a specific theme.
The study concluded with a Main Report which is merely a directory report
providing the executive summaries of the Preliminary and Final Strategies and a
short description of each Supporting Report.
All above reports, and other documents can be accessed from the Reports and
Documents page of this web-site.
|