A bilateral partnership named the Kingfisher Programme has been formed between South Africa and the Netherlands.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is in the process of establishing nine Catchment Management Agencies – a reduction and realignment from the previous 19 Water User Associations that existed along the upper and lower Orange River.

The reorganisation involves the decentralisation of tasks from the DWS to Catchment Management Agencies. The Kingfisher Programme supports this development by providing Dutch expertise around water authorities and municipalities.

The Kingfisher Programme, which came about through a unique partnership between the Netherlands’ Association of Local Governments and the Association of Regional Water Authorities, brings together South African and Dutch water authorities and municipalities. Through a colleague-to-colleague approach this programme works towards improved local water management.

The Dutch delegation started their visit to South Africa on 26 June and will be in the country until 1 July. Their visit will include tours to the Gariep Dam and hydropower station, the Boegoeberg WUA and Kakamas hydro-scheme.