National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) > Chapter 11 : Government Waterworks

This Chapter gives the Minister the power to establish and operate government waterworks in the public interest out of funds allocated by Parliament or from other sources. Examples of such waterworks include water storage dams, water transfer schemes and flood attenuation works. The Minister must satisfy certain procedural requirements before constructing a government waterwork, including a duty to obtain an environmental impact assessment and invite public comment, except for emergency, temporary or insignificant waterworks. Water from a government waterwork may be made available for allocation to water users and charges fixed for this water. Water in a government waterwork may also be made available for recreational purposes, subject to controls determined by the Minister and regulations made by the Minister. Existing government waterworks are subject to this Chapter.