The Department of Water and Sanitation hopes to soon finalise a National Groundwater Strategy and is currently engaging with stakeholders on contributions and comments.

A National Groundwater Strategy will unlock the full potential of groundwater in contributing towards South Africa’s water security. The strategy will allow for the establishment a framework within which stakeholders at all levels can become an essential part of good groundwater governance in the country, and will initiate a long-term process of rolling out sustainable groundwater utilisation.

The National Groundwater Strategy framework looks at enabling legislation, stakeholder driven development, leadership, responsive groundwater regulatory framework, groundwater resource protection, sustainable groundwater resource utilisation, appropriate institutional development, redirecting finances, groundwater resource planning and development, groundwater information management, regional and international partnerships, water sector skills and capacity development.

Consultations are taking place throughout the country. Stakeholders met in Mpumalanga late last week to engage on their inputs and comments. The stakeholders in attendance came from various sectors which included municipalities, government departments, mining, agriculture, industries, service providers, NGOs, and SANPARKS.

The National Groundwater Strategy document can be viewed here. Comments can be emailed to NGS@dws.gov.za