South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation is revising draft regulations governing state-owned dams following concerns about their impact on tourism access and waterfront development.
Key issues under review include access to dam areas for recreation and tourism, the legal framework for managing and leasing surrounding land and the role of resource management plans, which have been placed on hold pending review.
“Tourism businesses require long-term investment horizons and certainty of access to justify capital investment and job creation,” said Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA Board Member.
The association says it supports effective environmental regulation but is calling for a practical, legally sound framework that protects water resources while safeguarding tourism activity, long-term investment and jobs.
“There is now an opportunity for collaborative engagement to develop a workable framework that protects water resources while supporting tourism, recreation, investment and job creation,” said Brett Tungay, FEDHASA National Chairperson.
When it is possible, the Department of Water and Sanitation will open the revised draft regulations for further public consultation.
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