National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)Chapter 1 : Interpretation And Fundamental Principles3. Public trusteeship of nation's water resources |
| (1) | As the public trustee of the nation’s water resourced the National Government, acting through the Minister, must ensure that water is protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in a sustainable and equitable manner, for the benefit of all persons and in accordance with its constitutional mandate. |
| (2) | Without limiting subsection (1), the Minister is ultimately responsible to ensure that water is allocated equitably and used beneficially in the public interest, while promoting environmental values. |
| (3) | The National Government, acting through the Minister, has the power to regulate the use, flow and control of all water in the Republic. |