Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has reiterated the department’s commitment to issue water use licenses within 90 days of application.
The Minister made the commitment to delegates attending the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) Annual General Meeting held at King Shaka International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.
The three-day meeting held from 16-18 October, also coincided with the association’s 10-year celebration, and aimed to collaborate and strengthen the collective voice of African farmers.
Mchunu said since the 90-day declaration by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address in 2020, the department has worked tirelessly to revise Water Use Licensing Regulations in order to finalise the process within the new turn-around time.
Water User Associations
However, the Minister emphasised the importance of equity in terms of access to water and warned against resistance and fronting by the Water User Associations (WUAs).
“In as much as the WUAs are essential for water distribution and also contribute to food security in the country, there is a level of resistance from some of them. We would like to warn those associations that are resisting change and do not want to contribute positively to the fair equitable access to water.
“There are some farmers who abstract water illegally from the water sources, and some misrepresent their credentials by fronting with people who do not own the farms. That practice should cease as it is not only illegal, but it is also unconstitutional,” Mchunu warned.
Efficient and equitable services
The Minister also assured farmers that the department is committed to working with them to ensure that they receive sustainable, efficient, and equitable services for their trade to thrive.
He further assured farmers that the department is accessible, and will continue to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
