government gazette · noting of servitude and amendment by endorsement against title deed 113....

N$36.40 WINDHOEK-19December2013 No.5367

GOVERNMENT GAZETTEOF THE

REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

CONTENTSPage

GOVERNMENT NOTICE

No.332 PromulgationofWaterResourcesManagementAct,2013(ActNo.11of2013), oftheParliament................................................................................................................ 1

________________

Government Notice

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

No.332 2013

PROMULGATIONOFACTOFPARLIAMENT

ThefollowingActwhichhasbeenpassedbytheParliamentandsignedbythePresidentintermsoftheNamibianConstitutionisherebypublishedintermsofArticle56ofthatConstitution.

No.11of2013: WaterResourcesManagementAct,2013._______________

2 GovernmentGazette19December2013 5367

Act No. 11, 2013 WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT, 2013

ACTTo provide for the management, protection, development, use and conservation

of water resources; to provide for the regulation and monitoring of water services and to provide for incidental matters.

(Signed by the President on 2 December 2013)

BE IT ENACTEDaspassedbytheParliament,andassentedtobythePresident,oftheRepublicofNamibiaasfollows:

ARRANGEMENTOFSECTIONS

PART1PRELIMINARYPROVISIONS

1. Definitions2. ObjectsofAct3. Fundamentalprinciples4. ObligationofStateinrelationtowaterresources

PART2FUNCTIONSOFMINISTER

5. Generalpowers,functionsanddutiesofMinister6. DelegationofpowersandassignmentoffunctionsbyMinister

PART3WATERADVISORYCOUNCIL

7. EstablishmentofWaterAdvisoryCouncil8. MembersofCouncil9. Termofofficeandremuneration10. MeetingsofCouncilandadministration

PART4WATERREGULATORANDWATERPRICINGPOLICY

11. EstablishmentofWaterRegulator12. FunctionsofWaterRegulator13. ConstitutionofWaterRegulator14. TermofofficeofmembersofWaterRegulator15. Vacationofofficeandfillingofcasualvacancy16. MeetingsofWaterRegulatorandadministration17. RemunerationofmembersofWaterRegulator18. Confidentiality19. Determinationofpricingpolicyforservicesinwatersector

PART5BASINMANAGEMENTCOMMITTEES

20. Establishmentofbasinmanagementcommittees

5367 GovernmentGazette19November2013 3


21. Compositionofbasinmanagementcommittee22. Supportofbasinmanagementcommittee23. Functionsofbasinmanagementcommittee24. Directivetobasinmanagementcommittee25. Basinmanagementcommitteestocoordinatewithregionalplanning

componentinregions26. Establishmentofsubcommittees27. Dissolutionofbasinmanagementcommittee

PART6INTERNATIONALLYSHAREDWATERRESOURCES

28. FunctionsofMinister regardingmanagementof internationally sharedwaterresource

29. Givingeffecttointernationalagreements

PART7MANAGEMENTOFRURALWATERSUPPLY

30. Waterpointcommittees

PART8INTEGRATEDWATERRESOURCESMANAGEMENTPLAN

31. DevelopmentofIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan32. ScopeofIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementplan33. ApprovalofandtablingofIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan34. ReviewofIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan

PART9WATERSUPPLY,ABSTRACTIONANDUSE

35. Safetyofwatersupply36. Reliabilityofwatersupply37. Reservationofwaterresources38. Abstractionofwaterfordomesticuse39. Privatewellforabstractionofwaterfordomesticuse40. Righttocollectmeteoricwater

PART10WATERSERVICESPROVIDERS

41. Licensingofwaterservicesproviders42. Issueofcombinedlicencetowaterservicesprovider43. Failureofwaterservicesprovidertocomplywithlicenceconditions

PART11LICENCETOABSTRACTANDUSEWATER

44. Licencetoabstractandusewater45. Considerationofapplicationforalicencetoabstractandusewater46. Determinationofapplication47. Combinedlicencetoabstractandusewaterandtodischargeeffluent



48. Termoflicencetoabstractandusewater49. Renewaloflicencetoabstractandusewater50. Amendmentoflicencetoabstractandusewater51. Suspensionorcancellationoflicencetoabstractandusewater52. Procedureuponexpiryorcancellationoflicencetoabstractandusewater53. Licencetoabstractandusewaternottransferable54. Successiontolicencetoabstractandusewaterupondeathofholderoflicence55. Licencetoabstractandusewaterdoesnotguaranteeavailabilityofwater

PART12CONTROLANDPROTECTIONOFGROUNDWATER

56. Drillingorconstructionofboreholeorwell57. Amendmentofboreholelicence58. Boreholelicencenottransferable59. Successiontoboreholelicenceupondeathofholderoflicence60. Dutytokeeprecordsandprovideinformationondrilling61. Boreholedrillingforminingorotheroperations62. Refusalofaccesstostate-ownedborehole63. Wastageofgroundwater64. Licencetodisposeofgroundwaterabstractedfrommineorundergroundwork65. Waterabstractioninemergency66. Protectionofaquifers67. Licensingofboreholedrillersandwellconstructors

PART13WATERPOLLUTIONCONTROL

68. Pollutioncontrol69. Obligationtoprovideandoperatesystemsfordischargeofeffluent,wastewater

andwaste70. Prohibitionondischargeofwastewater,effluentorwastewithoutlicence71. Exemptionofcertaindischarges72. Applicationforlicencetodischargeeffluentorconstructoroperatewastewater

treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite73. Advertisementofapplicationandsubmissions74. Procedureforconsiderationofapplication75. Consideringanddeterminingapplication76. Standardsofeffluentquality77. Duration of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operatewastewater

treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite78. Renewal of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operatewastewater

treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite79. Amendmentoflicencetodischargeeffluentorconstructoroperatewastewater

treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite80. Transfer of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater

treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite81. Successiontolicencetodischargeeffluentorconstructoroperatewastewater

treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite82. Suspension or cancellation of licence to discharge effluent or construct or

operateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite83. Failureofholderoflicence84. Procedure after expiry or cancellation of licence to discharge effluent or

constructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityordisposalsite



PART14WATERPROTECTIONAREAS

85. Declarationofwaterprotectionarea86. Effectofdeclarationofwaterprotectionarea87. Amendmentorwithdrawalofwaterprotectionareadeclaration

PART15WATERRELATEDEMERGENCYORPOLLUTIONTHREATS

88. Emergencypowerstolimitrighttoabstractandusewater89. Emergencypowerstocontrolpollution

PART16WATERSERVICESPLANSANDEFFICIENTWATER

MANAGEMENTPRACTICES

90. Water service plans andwater conservation andwater demandmanagementstrategies

91. Implementationofefficientwatermanagementpractices

PART17DAMS,DAMSAFETYANDFLOODMANAGEMENT

92. Obstructionofwatercourse93. Requirementsforconstructionofdams94. Damswithafetyrisk95. Obligationsofownerofdam96. Responsibilitiesofprofessionalengineer97. Registrationofdamwithsafetyrisk98. Considerationsindeclaringdamstobedamswithsafetyrisk99. Exemptionofownersofcertaincategoriesofdams100. Preventionoffloodrisk

PART18CONTROLOFACTIVITIESAFFECTINGWETLANDS,WATER

RESOURCESANDTHERESOURCEQUALITY

101. Controlofuseofwetlandresources102. Controlofaquaticinvasivespecies103. Protectionofriparianzones

PART19WATERSERVICESPROVIDEDBYSTATE

104. RecoveryoffeesandchargesforwaterservicesprovidedbyState105. Chargeonland

PART20SERVITUDES

106. DefinitionsforthisPart107. Acquisitionofservitudes



108. Procedureforacquisitionandamendmentofservitude109. Rightsanddutiesofservitudeholdersandlandowners110. PowersofCourtinrespectofclaimforservitude111. Compensationpayableforgrantofservitude112. Notingofservitudeandamendmentbyendorsementagainsttitledeed113. Cancellationofservitude114. Jointwaterworkinvolvingservitude115. OwnershipofStatewaterworkonlandbelongingtoanother116. Transferofpersonalservitude

PART21WATERTRIBUNALANDAPPEALS

117. EstablishmentofWaterTribunal118. Administrativefunctionsandfinancing119. ConductofhearingbyWaterTribunal120. AppealtoWaterTribunal121. Mediationofdisputes

PART22GENERALPROVISIONS

122. Appointmentofauthorisedpersons123. Powersofauthorisedpersons124. Expropriationortemporaryuseofpropertyinpublicinterest125. Appointmentofpersonsoncontract126. Financialassistance127. Offences128. Compensationorderfordamagearisingfromcommissionofoffence129. Regulations130. Statebound131. Limitationofliability132. Savingsandtransitionalprovisions133. Repealandamendmentoflawsandsavings134. Shorttitleandcommencement

SCHEDULE-Lawsrepealedoramended

PART1PRELIMINARYPROVISIONS

Definitions

1. (1) InthisAct,unlessthecontextindicatesotherwise-

“abstract”,inrelationtowater,means-

(a) theimpoundingofwaterflowinginawatercoursebyconstructingadamoradugout;or

(b) thetakingofwaterfromawaterresourcebymeansofdiversionundergravityorpumping;



“aquifer” means a water-bearing geological formation from which water can beabstracted;

“basin” means an area in which water resources are shared by natural or artificialconditions,including-

(a) anareadeterminedbythewatershedlimitsofasystemofsurfacewaterandgroundwaterdrainingintoacommonendpointorcommonendarea,beingarivermouthordeltaintotheoceanoraninlandlake,pan,deltaorwetlandoranyotherbodyofsurfacewaterorgroundwater;

(b) anareaoverlyingacommonaquifer;

“basinmanagementcommittee”meansabasinmanagementcommitteereferredtoinsection20;

“borehole’’ means a well, excavation or any artificially constructed or improvedundergroundcavitywhichcanbeusedfor-

(a) intercepting,collectingorstoringwaterinorremovingwaterfromanaquifer;

(b) observingandcollectingdataandinformationonwaterlevelorwaterqualityinanaquifer;or

(c) recharginganaquifer;

“boreholeworks”meansanyworksreferredtoinsection56(1);

“Council”meanstheWaterAdvisoryCouncilestablishedbysection7;

“customary rights andpractices,” in relation to awater resource, includes a rightorpractice-

(a) undercustomarylaw,asdefinedinsection1oftheTraditionalAuthoritiesAct,2000(ActNo.25of2000);or

(b) attachingtoacustomarylandrightasdefinedinsection1of theCommunalLandReformAct,2002(ActNo.5of2002);

“dam”means-

(a) abarrierorstructureconstructedacrossornexttoawatercoursethatimpoundsorholdsbackwaterflowinginthatwatercourse;or

(b) astructurethatstoresorimpoundseffluent,

andincludesthewaterimpoundedandheldbackortheeffluentstoredorimpoundedandtheareacoveredbythatwateroreffluent;

“damwithasafetyrisk”means-

(a) adamfalling inacategoryofdamsdescribedanddeclaredbynotice in theGazetteundersection94(a)tobedamswithasafetyrisk;or



(b) aspecificdamdeclaredbywrittennoticetotheownerofsuchdamundersection94(b)tobeadamwithasafetyrisk;

“domestic use”means the use ofwater for household purposes, including drinking,cooking,washing,wateringahouseholdgardenandwateringanimalsfor reasonableownuse;

“dugout”meansanartificialdepressionorholeexcavatedinornexttoawatercourse,thatimpoundsorholdsbackwaterflowinginthatwatercourse,andincludesthewaterimpoundedandheldbackandtheareacoveredbythatwater;

“effluent” means liquid waste originating from domestic, industrial, agricultural orminingactivitiesthathasbeentreatedinawastewatertreatmentfacilityandreleasedintotheenvironmentinadam,anevaporationpond,anaquifer,ariver,theseaorontothesurfaceoftheground;

“groundwater” meanswater-

(a) occurringnaturallybelowthesurfaceoftheground;or

(b) pumped,divertedorreleasedintoacavityforstorageunderground;

“groundwaterpotential”means thevolumeofwaterwhich canbe abstractedover aperiodfromanaquiferwithoutadverselyaffectingthequantityandqualityofthewaterortheenvironmentabovetheaquifer;

“HighCourt”meanstheHighCourtofNamibia;

“IntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan”meanstheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlandevelopedundersection31;

“impoundment”,inrelationtowater,meansthestorageofwaterbymeansofadamoradugout;

“internationallysharedwaterresource” meansawaterresourcethatissharedbetweentwoormorestates;

“licence”meansalicencegrantedandinforceunderthisAct;

“localauthority”meansalocalauthoritycouncilasdefinedinsection1oftheLocalAuthoritiesAct,1992(ActNo.23of1992);

“localauthorityarea”meansalocalauthorityareaasdefinedinsection1oftheLocalAuthoritiesAct,1992(ActNo.23of1992);

“meteoricwater”meanswaterthatprecipitatesfromtheatmosphere;

“Minister” meanstheMinisterresponsibleforwateraffairs;

“Ministry” meanstheMinistryresponsiblefortheadministrationofwateraffairs;“ownerofadam”meansthepersonwhoownsthedamandincludesapersonresponsibletomaintain,operateorcontrolthedamonbehalfoftheowner;



“PermanentSecretary” meansthePermanentSecretaryoftheMinistry;

“person”,includesanorganisation,institution,entityorauthority;

“pollute”,inrelationtowater,meansdirectlyorindirectlytoalterthephysical,thermal,chemical,biological,or radioactive,propertiesof thewatersoas to render it lessfitforanybeneficialuseforwhichitisormayreasonablybeusedortocauseaconditionwhichishazardousorpotentiallyhazardousto-

(a) publichealth;

(b) animals,birds,fishoraquaticlifeorotherorganisms;or

(c) plants;

“prescribed” meansprescribedbyregulation;

“professionalengineer”meansapersonregisteredtopractiseasaprofessionalengineerinNamibiaunderthelawsgoverningtheengineeringprofession;

“regionalcouncil”meansaregionalcouncilestablishedundersection2oftheRegionalCouncilsAct,1992(ActNo.22of1992);

“regulation”meansaregulationmadeorinforceunderthisAct;

“resourcequality”,inrelationtoawaterresource,meansthequalityofalltheaspectsofthewaterresource,including-

(a) the quantity, seasonal variation and assurance of streamflowor sub-surfaceflow,ifany;

(b) thewaterquality,includingthephysical,chemicalandbiologicalcharacteristicsofthewater;

(c) thecharacterandconditionoftheinstreamandriparianhabitat,including,inthecaseofanaquifer,theenvironmentabovetheaquifer;and

(d) thecharacteristics,conditionanddistributionoftheaquaticbiota;

“sustainableuse”inrelationtoawaterresource,meansmanagingtheuseofwaterofthewaterresourceinawaythatdoesnotsignificantlyreduceitslong-termresourcequality;

“thisAct”, includestheregulations;

“wastageofwater”,includestheunrecoverablelossofwaterduetoleakageorthelackofmaintenanceofawaterworkorthemisuseorundueconsumptionofwaterfromawaterwork;

“waste”,includessewageandanymatterorsubstance,whetherwhollyorpartlyinsolid,liquidorgaseousstate,whichifaddedtowatermaycausethewatertobepolluted;

“wastedisposalsite”meansasitewherewasteisdisposedorstored;



“wastewater”meanswatercontainingwaste;

“wastewater treatment facility” means a waterwork constructed or used for thecontainment, treatment, evaporation or storage of domestic, commercial, industrial,miningoragriculturaleffluent,includingsolidwaste;

“watercourse”means-

(a) ariverorspring,includingthebaseflowofanephemeralriverwhenthereisnosurfaceflow;

(b) anaturalchannelinwhichwaterflowsregularlyorintermittently;

(c) anestuary,wetland,lakeordamintowhich,orfromwhich,waterflows;

(d) anycollectionorbodyofwaterdeclaredundersection5(s)tobeawatercourse,

andincludesthewaterin,andthebedandbanksof,thewatercourse;

“watermanagementarea”,inrelationtoabasinmanagementcommittee,meanstheareadefinedundersection20 tobe thewatermanagementareaof thebasinmanagementcommittee;

“waterprotectionarea”meansanareadeclaredundersection85tobeawaterprotectionarea;

“WaterRegulator”meanstheWaterRegulatorestablishedbysection11;

“waterresource”meansthewholeoranypartofawatercourseoranaquiferandincludestheseaandmeteoricwater;

“waterservicesprovider”meansapersonoranentitythatprovidesormanageswaterservicestoendconsumers;

“waterwork”, means a dam, weir, embankment, protecting wall, canal, channel,reservoir,well,borehole,pumpinginstallation,pipeline,sluicegate,orstructureusedfororinconnectionwiththeimpounding,storage,passage,drainage,controlorabstractionofwater,gaugingstations,gaugeposts,measuringweirs tomeasure runoff in riversandgroundwatermonitoring instrumentsorwaterpowergeneration facilities,or thefiltration,sedimentation,treatmentorpurificationofwater,wastewater,orwaste,ortheprotectionofawatercourseagainsterosion,siltation,pollutionorfloodcontrolortheprotectionofanywaterwork,orirrigatedlandortheuseofwaterforanyotherpurposeortheconservationofmeteoricwater;and

“wetland”meansawatercourseorsurfacewaterresource,includingitschemicalandbiophysicalcharacteristics.

Objects of Act

2. TheobjectsofthisActaretoensurethatthewaterresourcesofNamibiaaremanaged,developed,used,conservedandprotectedinamannerconsistentwith,orconduciveto,thefundamentalprinciplessetoutinsection3.



Fundamental principles

3. ThisActmustbeinterpretedinamannerthatisconsistentwith,andpromotes,thefollowingfundamentalprinciples-

(a) equitable access for all people to safe drinkingwater is an essentialbasichumanrighttosupportahealthyproductivelife;

(b) access by all people to a sufficient quantity of safe water within areasonable distance from their place of abode to maintain life andproductiveactivities;

(c) harmonisationofhumanwaterneedswith thewater requirementsofenvironmentalecosystemsandthespeciesthatdependonthem,whilerecognizingthatthewaterresourcequalityforthoseecosystemsmustbemaintained;

(d) promotion of the sustainable development of water resources basedonanintegratedwaterresourcesmanagementplanwhichincorporatessocial,technical,economic,andenvironmentalissues;

(e) availabilityofopenandtransparentinformationaboutwaterresources

tothepublic;

(f) recognitionoftheeconomicvalueofwaterintheallocationofwater;

(g) developmentofthemostcosteffectivesolutions,includingconservationmeasures,toinfrastructurefortheprovisionofwater;

(h) supporting integrated water resources management through humanresourcesdevelopmentandcapacitybuilding;

(i) promotionofwaterawarenessandtheparticipationofpersonshavinginterestinthedecision-makingprocessshouldformanintegralpartofanywaterresourcedevelopmentinitiative;

(j) consistencyofwaterresourcemanagementdecisionswithinthespecificmandate from the Government regarding the separation of policy,regulatoryandoperationalfunctions;

(k) preventionofwaterpollutionandimplementationoftheprinciplethatapersondisposingofeffluentorwastehasadutyofcare topreventpollution;

(l) a polluter is liable to pay all costs to clean up any intentional oraccidentalspillofpollutants;

(m) cognisance of Namibia’s international rights and obligations in theutilisationofinternationallysharedwaterresourcesandthedisposalofwasteoreffluent;and

(n) cognisance of the regional diversity inwater resources developmentand the decentralisation of responsibilities to the lowest level of



Government where adequate and appropriate competency exists tomanagewaterresourceseffectively.

Obligation of State in relation to water resources

4. TheState,initscapacityasownerofthewaterresourcesofNamibiabyvirtueofArticle100oftheNamibianConstitutionhastheresponsibilitytoensurethatwaterresourcesaremanagedandusedtothebenefitofallpeopleinfurtheranceoftheobjectsofthisAct.

PART2GENERALPOWERSANDFUNCTIONSOFMINISTER

General powers and functions of Minister

5. ToachievetheobjectsofthisAct,theMinisterhasthefollowingpowersandfunctions-

(a) to determine water resources management practices consistent withnationalwaterpoliciesontheadviceoftheWaterAdvisoryCouncil;

(b) toconductwaterresourcesmanagementplanning;

(c) to participate in consultations and negotiations with other countriesregarding internationally shared water resources and water relatedmatters and to give effect to any international agreement on sharedwaterresourcestowhichNamibiaisaparty;

(d) toensureanadequatesupplyofwaterfordomesticuse;

(e) tocollect,compile,analyzeanddisseminateinformationforintegratedwaterresourcesmanagement;

(f) toensure thatwaterresourcesaremanagedandwater infrastructuresare operated in accordance with the principles of environmentalsustainability;

(g) tosupervisebasinmanagementcommitteesandassistandcontroltheperformanceofwaterservicesproviders;

(h) to evaluate plans, specifications, estimates of costs and reports inconnectionwithanyproposedorexistingutilisationofwaterforanypurpose,andtodecidethereon;

(i) toobtainandrecordinformationontheextentoflandunderirrigation,thequantityofwaterusedorrequiredforirrigationoftheland,andtheextent,natureandvalueofcropsderivedthroughirrigation,includinginformation on land not used for irrigation purposes, but which issuitabletobeusedforthatpurpose;

(j) toco-ordinatewaterresourcesmanagementatnationallevel;



(k) to co-ordinate and harmonize the administration and managementofwater resources among basinmanagement committees andwaterservicesproviders;

(l) toprovide trainingprogrammesnecessary for the implementationofthisAct;

(m) toacquire,construct,alter,maintain,operate,repair,controlanddisposeofanywaterworkorotherassociatedworks;

(n) to drill boreholes or constructwells to obtain and conserve suppliesof groundwater for purposes ofwater supply to any person for anypurpose,withorwithoutpaymentofanycharge;

(o) establish and maintain hydrologic and hydrographic stations andworksandobtainandrecordobservationsmadethroughsuchstations,includinganyotherinformationandstatisticsrelatingtohydrographicandhydrologicconditions;

(p) causeanywaterworktobeinspectedandrequire inwritingapersonresponsibleforthewaterworktocarryout,withinaspecifiedtime,anyworkforthemaintenance,repairoralterationofthewaterworkastheMinistermayconsidernecessaryforpublicsafetyortheprotectionofpropertyand,intheeventofnon-compliancewithsuchrequirement,causetheworktobecarriedoutbyapersonauthorisedbytheMinisterand recover, as a debt owing to the State, the reasonable expensesincurredinsodoingfromthepersonresponsibleforthewaterwork;

(q) cause any research to be conducted, information to be collected ortechnology to be developed in relation to themanagement ofwaterresources;

(r) providefinancialandtechnicalsupporttobasinmanagementcommitteesorwaterservicesproviders;

(s) bynoticeintheGazette,declareanycollectionorbodyofwatertobeawatercourse;and

(t) toperformsuchotherfunctionsasareassignedtotheMinisterbythisActorasarenecessaryforthedevelopment,controlandutilisationofwatertoachievetheobjectsofthisAct.

Delegation of powers and assignment of functions by Minister

6. (1) TheMinistermay,inwriting,andsubjecttoconditionsastheMinistermaydetermine,delegateorassignapowerorfunctionconferredorimposedontheMinisterbyorunderthisActto-

(a) the Permanent Secretary or any other staffmember of theMinistry,includingapersonsecondedtotheserviceoftheMinistryorengagedundercontracttoperformanyworkorrenderanyservice;

(b) theWaterRegulator;or



(c) abasinmanagementcommittee.

(2) TheMinistermaynotdelegatethepower-

(a) todelegate;

(b) tomakeregulationsortoperformanyotheractrequiredorpermittedbythisActtobeexercisedbynoticeintheGazette;

(c) toappointamemberoftheWaterTribunal;or

(d) to authorize a basinmanagement committee to use temporarily anypropertyforpublicpurposesundersection124.

(3) The Minister is not divested of a power or function delegated orassignedundersubsection(1),andmay-

(a) withdrawanydelegationorassignmentmadeunderthatsubsection;or

(b) varyorsetasideanydecisionmadeundersuchdelegation.

(4) Before delegating or assigning a power or function to a basinmanagementcommittee,theMinistermusthaveregardtothecapacityofthatcommitteetoexerciseorperformthatpowerorfunction.

(5) The Minister may authorise in writing, any delegate or assigneecontemplated in subsection (1) to further delegate or assign any power or functiondelegatedorassignedtothedelegateorassignee,subjecttoanyconditionstheMinistermaydetermine.

PART3WATERADVISORYCOUNCIL

Establishment of Water Advisory Council

7. AbodytobeknownastheWaterAdvisoryCouncilisestablishedtoadvisetheMinisteron-

(a) waterpolicydevelopmentandreview;

(b) waterresourcesmanagement;

(c) waterabstractionanduse;

(d) anymatteraboutwater raisedbyabasinmanagementcommitteeonwhichtheCouncilconsidersitadvisabletoprovideadvice;

(e) anymatter relating to the administration of thisAct referred by theMinistertotheCouncilforadviceoronwhichtheCouncilconsidersitadvisabletoprovideadvice.



Members of Council

8. (1) The Council consists of 11 members who are persons withextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinwaterresourcemanagementandfromauthoritiesorinstitutionsresponsiblefororinvolvedinwatersupplyorwatermanagement.

(2) The members of the Council are appointed by the Minister uponnomination,ofwhom-

(a) twoistobenominatedbytheassociationofregionalcouncils;

(b) twonominatedbytheassociationoflocalauthorities;

(c) oneistohenominatedbywaterservicesproviders;

(d) oneistobenominatedbybasinmanagementcommittees;

(e) oneis tobenominatedbyinterestedorganisationsintheagriculturalsector;

(f) oneistobenominatedbyinterestedorganisationsinthecommercialsector;

(g) one is to he nominated by interested organisations in the industrialsector;

(h) oneistobenominatedbytheEngineeringCouncilofNamibia;and

(i) oneistobenominatedbyacademicinstitutions.

(3) ForthepurposeofappointingthemembersoftheCouncil,theMinistermust call for nominations from interested persons and organisations required tonominatemembersbyanymeanstheMinisterconsiderseffectivetocometothenoticeofthosepersonsandorganisations,includingbyletterorbynoticepublishedinoneormorenewspaperscirculatedwidelyinNamibia,andspecifythetimeandmannerwithinwhichanominationistobemade.

(4) IfanominationofapersonasamemberisnotmadewithinthetimeorinthemannerspecifiedbytheMinister,theMinistermayappointanypersonwho,intheMinister’sopinion,hasskills,knowledgeorexperienceappropriatetothefunctionsoftheCouncil,tobeamemberinsteadofthepersonrequiredtobeappointedonthatnomination.

(5) Apersonmaynotbenominatedasamemberunless thepersonhas,intheopinionofthepersonmakingthenomination,skillsknowledgeandexperienceappropriatetothefunctionsoftheCouncil,andanominationmustbemadewithdueregardtogenderrepresentation.

(6) Despite subsections (1) and (2) and section 9(1)(a), if the Councilconsidersthatitwillneedorbenefitfromadditionalfieldsofexpertiseforaparticularfunction,theMinistermayappointapersonorpersonshavingthatexpertiseasmemberormembersoftheCouncilforthespecificpurposeofdischargingthatfunction.



(7) The Minister may invite basin management committees and othercommunity based organisations or associations to designate not more than tworepresentatives to attend a particular meeting of the Council at which a matter ofrelevantinterestistobeconsidered,andapersonsoattendingmayparticipateinthedeliberationsoftheCouncilbutmaynotvote.

(8) TheMinistermustappointoneofthemembersoftheCounciltobeitschairperson.

(9) The Minister must have due regard to gender representation whenappointingthemembersoftheCouncil.

Term of office and remuneration

9. (1) ThemembersoftheCouncil-

(a) holdofficeforfiveyears,butmaybereappointedonexpiryofthatterm;and

(b) mustbepaidsuchallowancesasmaybedeterminedbytheMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance.

(2) AcasualvacancyinthemembershipoftheCouncilmustbefilledbytheappointmentofanotherpersoninaccordancewithsection8tofillthevacancyfortheunexpiredportionofthetermofofficeofthememberwhoseofficebecamevacant.

Meetings of Council and administration

10. (1) ThefirstmeetingoftheCouncilistobeheldatatimeandplacedeterminedbytheMinister,andthereaftertheCouncilmustmeetatthetimesandplacesdeterminedbytheCouncil.

(2) The chairpersonmust convene the nextmeeting if for any reason ameetingdeterminedbytheCouncilcannottakeplace.

(3) TheCouncilmustmeetatleastfourtimesayear.

(4) ThechairpersonmustconveneaspecialmeetingoftheCouncilwhenso directed by theMinister, orwhen so requested inwriting by at least three othermembers,forthepurposeofdealingwithanybusinessspecifiedbytheMinisterorinthewrittenrequest.

(5) ThechairpersonoftheCouncilmustpresideatameetingoftheCouncilatwhichheorsheispresent,andiftheChairpersonisabsentorunabletopresideatameeting,theremainingmembersmustdesignateamemberfromtheirnumbertopresideatthatmeeting.

(6) TheCouncilmust cause full and accurateminutes to be kept of itsproceedingsatmeetingsandmakeacopyoftheminutesavailabletotheMinisterandPermanentSecretaryattheirrequest.

(7) TheadministrativeworkrelatingtothefunctionsoftheCouncilmustbe performed by staff members of the Ministry designated for the purpose by thePermanentSecretary.



PART4WATERREGULATORANDWATERPRICINGPOLICY

Establishment of Water Regulator

11. There is established a body to be known as theWater Regulator toperformthefunctionsassignedtotheWaterRegulatorbythisAct.

Functions of Water Regulator

12. (1) ThefunctionsoftheWaterRegulatorare-

(a) todeterminethetariffsoffeesandcharges,orthemaximumtariffsoffeesandcharges-

(i) thatmaybeleviedbyawaterservicesproviderorothersupplierof water, including the State, for the supply or distributionofwater and the provision ofwastewater services and otherassociatedservices;

(ii) thatarepayablebylicenceholdersfortheabstractionofwaterorthedischargeofeffluentorthesupplyorre-useofeffluent;

(b) toset,afternegotiationandbyagreementwithawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplier, theoperational targets tobeachievedby thewaterservicesproviderorsupplierduringaspecifiedperiod,includingtargetsastothelevelandstandardofservices;

(c) tomonitortheperformanceofwaterservicesprovidersandotherwatersuppliers and evaluate their efficiencywith respect to achieving theoperationaltargetssetinaccordancewithparagraph(b);

(d) toadvisetheMinisteronanymatterrelatingtocompliancebyawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierwith itswaterservicesplanandconservationanddemandmanagementstrategiescontemplatedinsection 90(1), or the achievement or failure on the part of a serviceprovider or otherwater supplier to increase access and coverage ofservicesinaccordancewithanyrequirementmadebyorunderthisActoranyotherlaw;and

(e) to perform any other functions conferred or imposed on theWaterRegulatorbyorunderthisActoranyotherlaw.

(2) TheMinistermayprescriberequirementsandproceduresinrelationtothemattersreferredtoinparagraphs(a),(b)and(c)ofsubsection(1),including-

(a) arequirementthatwaterservicesprovidersandotherwatersuppliersaretomakesubmissionstotheWaterRegulatoronproposedtariffsandoperationaltargets;

(b) theidentificationofwaterservicesprovidersandotherwatersuppliersrequiredtomakesubmissions;



(c) thetimewhen,theformandmannerinwhich,andthepersontowhom,asubmissionisrequiredtobelodged;

(d) theinformationtobecontainedinortobegiveninrelationto,andthedocumentstoaccompanyasubmission;

(e) proceduresrelating topublicnotificationofsubmissions, themannerofconsiderationanddeterminationofsubmissionsandrepresentationsmadeinrelationstoasubmission,whichmayincludetheholdingofapublichearinginrelationtoasubmission.

(3) Forthepurposeofperformingitsfunctions,theWaterRegulator-

(a) may, with the approval of theMinister, and must if so directed bytheMinister, carry out any investigation necessary or expedient forperformingafunction;or

(b) mayconsultanypersonorauthoritythathasknowledgeorexperienceof,oraninterestin,waterpricingandwateruseefficiency.

(4) ThedeterminationoffeesandchargesbytheWaterRegulatormustbeeffected-

(a) in accordance with norms and standards prescribed in the water,wastewater and effluent pricingpolicy determinedunder section 19;and

(b) with due consideration to harmonising consumer expectations and

policy of decision makers regarding the price of water supply andwastewater discharge services without compromising the financialviabilityofserviceproviders.

(5) FeesandchargesdeterminedbytheWaterRegulatormaydifferentiate-

(a) betweenwater servicesprovidersorotherwater suppliersor serviceprovidersorlicenceholders;

(b) inaccordancewiththeresourcefromwhich,orthemethodbywhich,waterissuppliedorabstracted;

(c) inaccordancewiththepurposeforwhichwaterissuppliedorabstracted;

(d) in accordance with the time of the year when water is supplied orabstracted;

(e) betweendifferentareasofNamibia;and

(f) onanyotherbasisasmaybeprescribed.

(6) The Water Regulator must cause any tariff of fees and chargesdeterminedbyitforanypurposeintheperformanceofitsfunctionstobepublishedbynoticeintheGazetteandspecifythedateasfromwhichthetariffoffeesandchargesisofeffect.



(7) Apersonmaynotlevyanyfeeorchargeforthesupplyofwaterortherenderingofanassociatedserviceorfortheabstractionofwaterfromawaterresourceorthedischargeofeffluentorthesupplyorre-useofeffluent,exceptinaccordancewiththetariffoffeesandchargesdeterminedbytheWaterRegulatorunderthissection.

Constitution of Water Regulator

13. (1) TheWaterRegulator consists offivemembers appointedbytheMinister.

(2) ThepersonsselectedforappointmentasmembersmustbeNamibiancitizenswhocollectivelybring skill andexperience in themembershipof theWaterRegulatorinanyofthefollowingfields-

(a) waterserviceissues,includingcosting,calculatingpricesorsettingoftariffsandassessmentoftheoperationalefficiencyofserviceproviders;

(b) waterresourcemanagement;

(c) waterengineering;

(d) finance,tradeandeconomy;

(e) law;

(f) businessmanagement;

(g) socialscience;

(h) environmentalmanagement,includingwaterconservation.

(3) Despitesubsections(1)and(2)andsection14,iftheWaterRegulatorconsidersthatitwillneedorbenefitfromanyadditionalfieldofexpertiseforaparticularfunction,theMinistermayappointapersonwiththerelevantexpertiseasmemberoftheWaterRegulatorforthespecificpurposeofdischargingthatfunction.

(4) TheMinistermustappointoneofthememberstobethechairpersonoftheWaterRegulator.

Term of office of members of Water Regulator

14. A member of theWater Regulator is appointed for such term, notexceedingfiveyears,asdeterminedbytheMinisterandiseligibleforre-appointmentontheexpiryofthatterm.

Vacation of office and filling of casual vacancy

15. (1) TheofficeofamemberoftheWaterRegulatorbecomesvacantifthemember-

(a) isconvictedofanoffenceandsentencedtoimprisonmentwithouttheoptionofafine;



(b) resignshisorherofficebynoticeinwritinggiventotheMinister;

(c) hasbeenabsentfromtwomeetingsoftheWaterRegulatorinayear,withoutleaveofthechairpersonoftheWaterRegulator;or

(d) isremovedfromofficebytheMinister.

(2) TheMinistermayremoveamemberfromofficeif,afteraffordingthememberanopportunitytobeheard,theMinisterissatisfiedthatthemember-

(a) ismentallyorphysicallyincapableofefficientlyperformingthedutiesofamember;

(b) isguiltyofconductthatrendershimorherunfittoserveasamember;or

(c) failstocomplywithorcontravenesaprovisionofthisAct.

(3) Ifamemberdiesorvacatesoffice,thevacancymustbefilledbytheappointmentofapersontothevacantofficefortheunexpiredportionofthetermofofficeofthemember.

Meetings of Water Regulator and administration

16. (1) MeetingsoftheWaterRegulatoraretobeheldatthetimesandplacesasprescribedorasapprovedbytheMinister.

(2) ThechairpersonoftheWaterRegulatormustpresideatameetingoftheWaterRegulator,andifthechairpersonisabsentfromameetingorunabletoact,thememberspresentmustelectamembertopresideatthatmeeting.

(3) AtameetingoftheWaterRegulator-

(a) amajorityofthemembers,includinganyadditionalmemberappointedundersection13(3),formaquorum;

(b) allquestionsaredecidedbyamajorityofthevotesofthemembers

presentandvoting;and

(c) thememberpresidinghasadeliberativevoteand,intheeventofanequalityofvotes,alsoacastingvote.

(4) TheWaterRegulatormayholdmeetingsorallowmemberstotakepartin itsmeetingsbyusinganytechnologyormeansofcommunicationthatreasonablyallowsmembers tohear and takepart indiscussions as theyhappen, andamemberso takingpart inameetingof theWaterRegulator isconsideredtobepresentat themeeting.

(5) Adecisiontakenby,oranactdoneundertheauthorityof,theWaterRegulatorisnotinvalidonlybecauseof-

(a) avacancyinitsmembership;or



(b) adefectorirregularityintheappointmentofamember.

(6) The Water Regulator may decide its own procedure in relation toanythingforwhichaprocedureisnotprovidedforbyorunderthisAct.

(7) TheWaterRegulatormustcausefullandaccurateminutestobekeptofitsproceedingsatmeetingsandmakeacopyoftheminutesavailabletotheMinisterorPermanentSecretaryattheirrequest.

(8) TheadministrativeworkrelatingtothefunctionsoftheWaterRegulatormustbeperformedbystaffmembersoftheMinistrydesignatedforthatpurposebythePermanentSecretary.

Remuneration of members of Water Regulator

17. MembersoftheWaterRegulatorwhoarenotinthefull-timeserviceof the Statemust be paid, frommoney appropriated by Parliament, the allowances,including travelandsubsistenceallowancesas theMinistermaydetermine,with theconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance.

Confidentiality

18. AmemberoftheWaterRegulatororastaffmemberdesignatedundersection16(8)oranyotherpersonwhoisorwasengagedinanycapacitytoassistintheperformanceofanyoftheWaterRegulator’sfunctions,mustnotdisclosetoanypersonconfidentialinformationofanywaterservicesproviderorauthorityorpersonacquiredintheperformanceofanyfunctionforthepurposesofthisAct,whetherbefore,duringor after his or her involvement in the affairs of theWaterRegulator, except for thepurposesofdischargingadutyunderthisActorwhenrequiredtodosobyanylaworacourtoflaw.

Determination of pricing policy for services in water sector

19. (1) TheMinistermustdevelopandprescribeapricingpolicyforservicesinthewatersectorwhichsetsoutnormsandstandardsforthefixingoftariffsoffeesandchargesforthoseservicesbytheWaterRegulator.

(2) Forthepurposesofdevelopingthepricingpolicy,theMinistermustbynoticeintheGazette-

(a) inviteinstitutionsandinterestedgroupsandpersonsin,orconnectedwith,thewatersectortomakesubmissionsorcontributionsinrelationto,orparticipateinanyothermannerasspecifiedin,theformulationofthepricingpolicy;and

(b) set out the procedures and time frames for such submissions,contributionorparticipation.



PART5BASINMANAGEMENTCOMMITTEES

Establishment of basin management committees

20. (1) The Minister, after consultation with institutions and otherstakeholders and persons having an interest inwater resources in a basin or part ofa basin,may recognise a group of representatives of such institutions, stakeholdersandpersonswhoareorganisedorassociatedfor thepurposeoforganising,planningor dealing with matters relating to the development, management, protection andenhancementofwaterresourcesinthebasinorpartofthebasin,tobeabasincommitteeforthepurposesofthisActinfurtheranceoftheGovernment’sobjectiveinachievinganintegratedmanagementofwaterresources.

(2) TheMinistermayrecogniseagroupofrepresentativesandpersonsasabasinmanagementcommitteeonlyiftheMinisterissatisfied-

(a) that interests in the use and management of water resources in thebasin or part of the basin concerned are broadly represented in themembershipofthegroup,includinginterestedgovernmentministries,regional councils, local authorities, State-owned enterprises or otherstatutory institutions and organisations, institutions or associationsrepresentinginterestsintheprivatesector;and

(b) that membership of the group will be open for inclusion of furtherrepresentativesof anyother institutionsor stakeholdersor interestedpersons asmay be directed by theMinister inwriting to the groupconcerned for the purposes of achieving broad representation ofinterestsintheirmembership.

(3) Abasinmanagement committeemaybe recognised for anypurposeconnectedwiththeuseprotection,development,conservation,managementorcontrolofawaterresourceinabasinorpartofabasin,includingpurposesconnectedwith-

(a) anaquifer;

(b) sharedwatersupplyinfrastructure;

(c) an area comprising adjacent geographic entities with joint waterresourcemanagementfeatures;

(d) anareadefinedforcommonmanagementofwaterresources;

(e) irrigationactivities.

(4) IftheMinisterproposestorecogniseabasinmanagementcommittee,theMinistermust,bynoticegivenintheprescribedmannertoownersandoccupiersoflandsituatedintheareaproposedtobedefinedasthewatermanagementareaofthecommittee-

(a) notifytheownersandoccupiersof-

(i) theproposedrecognitionofthebasinmanagementcommittee;



(ii) thepurposeforwhichthecommitteeproposedtoberecognised;

(iii) the proposed boundaries of the area to be established anddefinedasthewatermanagementareaofthecommittee;and

(iv) anylimitationsorprohibitionsproposedtobe imposedtobeapplicableinthemanagementarea;and

(b) inviteownersandoccupierstosubmittotheMinister, inthemannerandwithinareasonableperiodofnotlessthan30daysasspecifiedinthenotice,anyrepresentationswhichtheymaywishtomakeinrelationtotheproposedexerciseoftheMinister’spowersunderthissection.

(5) Indecidingwhethertorecogniseabasinmanagementcommittee,theMinistermust-

(a) consideranyrepresentationssubmittedintermsofsubsection(4);and

(b) have due regard to competing uses of land in the area proposed tobe defined as thewatermanagement area of the basinmanagementcommittee.

(6) TheMinistermust,bynoticepublishedintheGazette,makeknowntherecognitionofabasincommitteeundersubsection(1),whichmust-

(a) specifythenameassignedtothebasinmanagementcommittee;

(b) specify the purpose for which the basin management committee isrecognised;

(c) define thewatermanagement areawithinor in respect ofwhich thebasinmanagementcommitteemayexerciseitsfunctions,whichmaycompriseeitherthewholeorpartofabasin;

(d) stipulateanylimitationsorprohibitionswhichtheMinistermayimposetobeapplicableinthemanagementarea;and

(e) anyothermatterswhichtheMinisterconsidersnecessaryorappropriatetostipulateorimposefortheproperfunctioningofthebasinmanagementcommittee.

(7) Theboundariesofthewatermanagementareaofabasinmanagementcommitteemaybedescribedinanoticeundersubsection(4)or(6)byanymeansthatismostdescriptiveoftheareaorbyreferencetoeitherorbothof-

(a) surveycoordinates;or

(b) distancesfromoneormoreconspicuousphysicalfeatures.

Composition of basin management committee

21. Thecompositionandmembershipofabasinmanagementcommitteearegovernedbytheconstitutionorotherfoundingdocumentorinstrumentembodying



thetermsandconditionsofassociationofthegroupofrepresentativesrecognisedasthebasinmanagementcommittee,includingrepresentativesofanyinstitutions,stakeholdersorinterestedpersonsincludedinthecommittee’smembershipbyvirtueofadirectiveoftheMinisterundersection20(2)(b).

Support of basin management committee

22. (1) The Minister may provide, from money appropriated byParliament for the purpose, financial and technical support to a basin managementcommittee,including-

(a) institutional arrangements to establish a support office in the watermanagementareaofabasinmanagementcommitteeoperatedbystaffmembersoftheMinistrydesignatedbythePermanentSecretaryforthepurpose;

(b) financialresourcesfordefrayingexpensespertainingtothefunctionsofthebasinmanagementcommittee;and

(c) waterresourcesmanagementleviespayabletothebasinmanagementcommittee as part of charges for water abstraction and use andwastewaterdisposalcharges.

(2) If a support office referred to in subsection (1)(a) is not establishedthe Permanent Secretary must designate staff members of the Ministry to provideadministrative,technicalandclericalsupporttoabasinmanagementcommittee.

Functions of basin management committee

23. Thefunctionsofabasinmanagementcommitteeare-

(a) toadvisetheMinisteronmattersconcerningtheprotection,development,conservation,management and control ofwater resources andwaterresourcequalityinitswatermanagementarea;

(b) topromotecommunityparticipationintheprotection,use,development,conservation,managementandcontrolofwaterresourcesinitswatermanagementarea;

(c) to prepare or cause to be prepared an integrated water resourcesmanagementplanforitswatermanagementareaforsubmissiontotheMinisterforconsiderationindevelopingtheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlanundersection31;

(d) tomake recommendations to theMinister in relation to applicationsforlicencesinrespectofitswatermanagementareaortheamendment,cancellation,orsuspensionofanysuchlicence;

(e) to promote community self-reliance, including arrangements for therecoveryofcostsfortheoperationandmaintenanceofanywaterwork;

(f) tomonitor and report on the effectiveness of policies andmeasuresinachievingsustainablemanagementofwaterresourcesandresourcequalityinitswatermanagementarea;



(g) tocollect,manageandsharedatarequiredforthepropermanagementofitswatermanagementareaincoordinationwiththeMinister;

(h) to conduct, with the concurrence of the Minister, a water researchagendaappropriatetotheneedsofinstitutionsandwateruserswithinitswatermanagementarea;

(i) tohelpresolveconflictsrelatingtowaterresourcesandresourcequalityinitsmanagementarea;

(j) to report to theMinister theoccurrenceor threatofseriouswaterorpollutionproblemswithinitsmanagementarea;

(k) tocompileandsubmitanannualreportonitsactivitiestotheMinisterand to assist the Minister in the co-ordination of such activities inNamibia;and

(l) to perform such functions as are delegated or assigned to it by theMinister.

Directive to basin management committee

24. (1) The Minister may give a directive in writing to a basinmanagementcommitteeinrelationtotheperformanceofanyofitsfunctions.

(2) AbasinmanagementcommitteemustgiveeffecttoadirectivegivenbytheMinister.

Basin management committee to coordinate with regional planning component in region

25. A basin management committee must co-ordinate with the regionalplanningcomponentoftheregionalcounciloftheregion,oralocalauthority,wherethewatermanagementareaofthecommitteeissituatedtoensurethatwaterresourcesandresourcequalitywithinthatareaandtheregionareeffectivelymanagedandprotectedinaccordancewiththisAct.

Establishment of subcommittees

26. A basin management committee may, after consultation withstakeholdersinitswatermanagementareaandtheMinister-

(a) establishanysubcommitteetodealwithspecificissueswithinadistinctpartofitswatermanagementarea;and

(b) reconstituteordissolveasubcommittee.

Dissolution of basin management committee

27. TheMinistermay,bynoticeintheGazette,dissolveabasinmanagementcommitteeiftheMinisterconsidersitadvisable-

(a) tore-organisebasinmanagementcommitteesinaparticularareaintheinterestofeffectivewaterresourcesmanagement;or



(b) because the circumstances which supported the need for a basinmanagementcommitteenolongerexist.

PART6INTERNATIONALLYSHAREDWATERRESOURCES

Functions of Minister regarding management of internationally shared water resource

28. The functionsof theMinister in relation to the jointmanagementofinternationallysharedwaterresourcesare-

(a) to participate with neighbouring and other riparian states in theestablishment, development andmaintenanceof a commondatabasesystem to store andprovidedata and information for theprotection,sustainableuseandmanagementofsharedwaterresources;

(b) to engage in the joint management, planning and development ofprojects concerning shared water resources in furtherance of theobjectivesoftheSouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunityRevisedProtocolonSharedWatercourseswithregard toregional integration,economicgrowthandpovertyalleviation;

(c) to establish and promote institutional relationships between riverbasin organisations within Namibia and international river basinorganisations;

(d) toencouragetheparticipationofNamibianstakeholdersindiscussionsconcerningtheidentificationandformulationoftheinterestsofNamibiainthedevelopmentofinternationallysharedwaterresources;

(e) toprotecttheinternationalwaterresourcequality,includingdiscussionwith upstream states to reduce or prevent the deterioration ofwaterqualityresultingfromactivitiesinupstreamstates;

(f) to develop and improve human resource capacity to participate inthe management of shared water resources, including negotiations,consultationsandconflictresolution;and

(g) to establish mechanisms, or negotiate the revision of mechanisms,forthemanagement,preventionandresolutionofdisputesrelatingtointernationallysharedwaterresources.

Giving effect to international agreements

29. (1) ForthepurposeofensuringtheenforcementandcompliancewithNamibia’srightsandobligationsunderanyinternationalagreementreferredtoinsubsection(2),oranyamendmentofsuchanagreement,theMinistermaymakesuchregulationsastheMinistermayconsidernecessaryorexpedientforcarryingoutandforgivingeffecttotheagreement.

(2) TheinternationalagreementsrelatingtosharedwaterresourcesbindingonNamibia in relation towhich regulations contemplated in subsection (1)may bemade,arethefollowing:



(a) Establishment of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (Orasecom)agreemententeredintoon3November2000betweentheKingdomofLesotho,theRepublicofBotswana,theRepublicofSouthAfricaandtheRepublicofNamibia;

(b) EstablishmentofaPermanentOkavangoRiverBasinWaterCommission(Okacom)enteredintoon15September1994betweentheRepublicofAngola,theRepublicofBotswana,andtheRepublicofNamibia;

(c) ZambesiWatercourseCommission(Zamcom)agreemententeredintoon 13 July 2004 between the Republic ofAngola, the Republic ofBotswana,theRepublicofMalawi,theRepublicofMozambique,theRepublicofNamibia,theUnitedRepublicofTanzania,theRepublicofZambiaandtheRepublicofZimbabwe;

(d) KunenePermanent JointTechnicalCommission agreement endorsedand affirmed between the Republic ofAngola and the Republic ofNamibia;and

(e) anyotheragreementrelatingtointernationallysharedwaterresourcesbindingonNamibia,announcedbytheMinisterbynoticeintheGazetteforthepurposesofthissubsection.

PART7MANAGEMENTOFRURALWATERSUPPLY

Water point committees and local water committees

30. (1) The Minister may, by regulation, make provision for theestablishmentandaccreditationof-

(a) waterpointcommittees;and

(b) localwatercommittees,

tobeentrustedwiththeresponsibilityofmanagingandcontrollingthesupplyofwateratanyruralStatewaterwork.

(2) Acertificateofaccreditationissuedtoa-

(a) waterpointcommittee,authorisesthecommitteetomanageandcontrolthesupplyofwaterat thewaterpointspecifiedin thecertificateandestablishedforthewatersupplyrequirementsofwaterusersintheareawherethewaterpointislocated;

(b) localwatercommittee,authorisesthecommitteetomanageandcontrolaruralwatersupplyscheme,orpartofsuchascheme,specifiedinthecertificateandestablishedforthewatersupplyrequirementsoftwoormorewaterusergroupsatdifferentpoints servedbyawater supplyscheme.

(3) Regulationsreferredtoinsubsection(1)mayrelateto-



(a) therequirements tobecompliedwithfor the issueofacertificateofaccreditation;

(b) theconstitutionofawaterpointcommitteeoralocalwatercommittee;

(c) rulesfortheholdingofmeetingsofmembersofawaterpointcommitteeorlocalwatercommittee;

(d) theappointmentofamanagementcommitteeofawaterpointcommitteeorlocalwatercommitteetoberesponsibleforthegeneraladministrationandmanagementof theaffairsof thewaterpointcommitteeor localwatercommittee;

(e) thepowersandfunctionsofawaterpointcommitteeoralocalwatercommittee;

(f) thesettingoftariffstobeleviedbyawaterpointcommitteeoralocalwatercommitteeforthesupplyofwater;

(g) theimpositionofconditionstobeapplicableinrelationtoacertificateofaccreditation;

(h) thesuspensionorwithdrawalofacertificateofaccreditation;and

(i) any other matter the Minister considers necessary or expedientto prescribe in relation to water point committees or local watercommittees.

PART8INTEGRATEDWATERRESOURCESMANAGEMENTPLAN

Development of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

31. (1) The Minister must prepare an Integrated Water ResourcesManagement Plan for the development, conservation, management and control ofNamibia’swaterresourcesinfurtheranceoftheobjectofthisAct.

(2) ForpurposesofpreparingtheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan,theMinistermust-

(a) by notice in writing request regional councils, basin managementcommittees and water services providers to cooperate and assist inthepreparationof thatproposedplan in themanner specifiedby theMinisterinthatnotice;and

(b) by notice in theGazette, invite interested persons to submitwrittencommentsinrelationtothatproposedplantotheMinisterattheaddressandbythecut-offdatespecifiedinthatnotice,beingnotearlierthan60daysafterpublicationofthatnotice.

(3) If the Minister considers it advisable, the Minister may appoint aconsultativecommittee,consistingofpersonswhohaveknowledgeorexperience inmatterstobecoveredintheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan,toadvisetheMinisteron-



(a) thepreparationofthatplan;or

(b) anymattertobeprovidedforinthatplanasspecifiedbytheMinister.

(4) TheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlanmustbedevelopedandprepared-

(a) on the basis of the water resource management plans submitted bybasinmanagementcommittees in respectof theirwatermanagementareas;and

(b) withdueregardtocommentsandadvicereceivedinaccordancewithsubsections(2)and(3).

Scope of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

32. (1) The Integrated Water Resources Management Plan is toinclude-

(a) a water balance for the water management area of each basinmanagement committee, or any other specified area in Namibia,that compares forecasted water demand with data and informationconcerningwateravailability;

(b) proposed options for meeting forecasted demand for each watermanagementareaorotherareareferredtoinparagraph(a)wheretheforecastedwaterdemandexceedsavailablesupply,includingoptionsinrelationto-

(i) waterdemandmanagementprogrammes;

(ii) determinationofvolumesofeffluentavailableforre-useorforothersecondaryactivitiessuchasirrigation;

(iii) reallocationofwaterbetweeneconomicsectorstohighervalueaddedactivities;

(iv) necessaryinfrastructureconstruction;

(v) desirableinstitutionalinitiatives;

(vi) inter-basintransfersofwater;and

(vii) anyothermeasure,includingappropriatelegalreform,whichmaybenecessary toachieve theobjectivesof the IntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan;and

(c) provisionfortheprotectionofwaterresourcesandresourcequality.

(2) Any conflict between the integrated water resources managementplans submitted by basinmanagement committees referred to in section 31(4)mustberesolvedbytheMinisterafterconsultationwiththebasinmanagementcommitteeswhoseplansareinconflict.



Approval and tabling of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

33. As soon as practicable after completion of the Integrated WaterResourcesManagementPlan,theMinistermust-

(a) submitthatplantoCabinetforapproval;and

(b) layacopyofthatapprovedplanontheTableoftheNationalAssembly.

Review of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

34. (1) The Minister must review the Integrated Water ResourcesManagementPlanattheendof10yearsfollowingtheapprovalofthePlanbyCabinet,andthereafteratintervalsofnotmorethan10years.

(2) TheMinistermayreviewtheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlanatanytime.

(3) Theproceduresthatapplytothepreparation,approvalbyCabinetandTablingintheNationalAssemblyoftheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlanunderthisPartapply,withanynecessarymodifications,tothereviewofthePlan.

PART9WATERSUPPLY,ABSTRACTIONANDUSE

Safety of water supply

35. WithoutprejudicetothepowersconferredontheMinisterresponsibleforhealthunderthelawsrelatingtopublichealth,theMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforhealthmust,forthepurposeofensuringthesupplyofhealthyandsafewaterunderthisAct-

(a) prescribe,waterqualitystandardsinrespectofwatersupplyfordrinkingandhouseholdpurposes,includingmaximumlevelsofconcentrationofwaterbornecontaminants;

(b) establishandmaintainlaboratoriesandotherfacilitiesandmeasuresforthecapacitytomonitor,testandverifythequalityofanywatersupply;

(c) prescriberequirementsforthelicensingofprivatelyownedlaboratoriesestablishedfortestingandascertainingthequalityofwatersupplyforanypurpose,includingqualificationrequirementsofwaterlaboratorytechnicians;

(d) prescribecriteriaforthequalityofrecycledwatertoensurethatsuchwaterissafeandsuitableforitsintendeduse;

(e) develop and prescribe a national programme for the testing andmonitoringofwaterqualityinNamibia;and

(f) prescribe requirements for evaluating and approving processes anddesignsforthetreatmentofpotablewaterbeforealicenceforawatertreatmentplantmaybeissued.



Reliability of water supply

36. (1) TheMinistermust ensure that allNamibians have access towaterconformingto theprescribedqualitystandardsfromanaffordableandreliablewatersupplythatisadequateforbasichumanrequirements,subjecttosubsection(2).

(2) If the supply of water by a water services provider is found not tocomplywiththeprescribedwaterqualitystandards,theMinistermay-

(a) uponapplicationbythewaterservicesprovider,grantexemptiontotheservice provider from compliancewith any prescribedwater qualitystandardsiftheMinisterissatisfiedthat-

(i) thewatersupplywillnotadverselyaffectthehealthofwaterusers;and

(ii) waterusersaregiventherelevantinformationinrespectofthewatersupply;

(b) afterconsultationwithwaterservicesprovidersorbasinmanagementcommitteesandanyaffectedcommunity,takeanyactiontheMinisterconsiders necessary in the public interest to remedy any situationrelatingtowaterqualitythatmayaffectthehealthofwaterusers.

(3) Forthepurposesofensuringtheadequacy,affordabilityandreliabilityofwatersupply,theMinistermust-

(a) prescribeminimumstandardsofwatersupplyservicestobecompliedwith by water services providers and owners of water treatmentfacilities, including requirements for persons engaged for operatingany waterwork used for supplying water for domestic, commercial,industrialoragriculturaluse;

(b) periodically monitor the operations of water services providers andowners ofwater treatment facilities and the performance of personsengagedforoperatingawaterworktoensuretheminimumstandardsandrequirementsreferredtoinparagraph(a)arecompliedwith.

Reservation of water resources

37. (1) If the Minister, on the Minister’s initiative or on therecommendationofabasinmanagementcommittee,considersitadvisableinordertomakeprovisionforawatersupplyinthewatermanagementareaconcerned-

(a) tomeettherequirementsofwaterusersfordomesticuse;or

(b) to reasonably protect andmaintain aquatic andwetland ecosystems,includingtheirbiologicaldiversity,andtomaintainessentialecosystemfunctions,

theMinistermay reserveallorpartoftheflowofawatercourse,agroundwaterresourceorwaterstoredinadamorlakefrombeingabstractedorusedunderthisAct.



(2) Before the Minister makes a reservation under subsection (1), theMinistermustconsultwiththeregionalcounciloftheregionwherethewatermanagementareaislocatedtoobtainandconsideranycommentsoftheregionalcouncilinrelationtoanymatterpertainingtotheproposedreservation.

(3) TheMinistermustcauseanoticetobepublishedintheGazettegivingparticularsofareservationmadeundersubsection(1).

(4) Thequantityofwaterinawaterresourcereservedundersubsection(1)mustbetakenintoaccountindetermininganapplicationfor-

(a) alicencetoabstractandusewaterundersection46;or

(b) alicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityundersection75.

(5) Despite a reservation made under subsection (1), a licence for theabstractionoruseofwaterfromareservedwaterresourcemaybeissuedinaccordancewiththisActforapurposeforwhichtheresourceisreserved.

Abstraction of water for domestic use

38. (1) Subjecttosubsection(3),apersonwhoabstractswaterfromawaterresourceforowndomesticuseisexemptedfromtherequirementforalicencetoabstractandusewater.

(2) ApersonmayabstractandusewaterfordomesticusesubjectonlytosuchlimitationsasareimposedbyorunderthisActoranyotherlawforpublichealthorenvironmentalpurposesorasprescribedbytheMinisterforpurposesofefficientwatermanagementpractices.

(3) Subsection(1)doesnotapplytoapersonwhoabstractswaterinbulkfromawaterresourceandsuppliesitagainstpaymenttoothersfordomesticuse.

Private well for abstraction of water for domestic use

39. Anowneroroccupieroflandsituateoutsidealocalauthorityarea,andnotbeingwithinawaterprotectionarea,maywithouttheneedofalicence-

(a) abstractwaterfromawelllocatedonthelandforowndomesticuseontheland;or

(b) dig or sink awell on the land solely for the purpose of abstractingwaterforowndomesticuseontheland.

Right to collect meteoric water

40. Anowneroroccupierofland,includingcommunalland,may,withouttheneed fora licence,collectmeteoricwater fallingorcomingonto the landsolelyforpurposesofowndomesticuseontheland,butnottoanextentthatmaynegativelyaffecttheenvironmentorpersonsdownstreamofsuchcollectionpoint.



PART10WATERSERVICESPROVIDERS

Licensing of water services providers

41. (1) ApersonmaynotoperateasawaterservicesproviderwithoutholdingalicenceasawaterservicesproviderissuedbytheMinisterunderthisActthatauthorisestheperson-

(a) todistributewatertoend-consumers;and

(b) tooperateawatertreatmentfacility.

(2) Anapplicationforalicenceasawaterservicesprovidermust-

(a) bemadeinthemannerandformapprovedbytheMinister;and

(b) beaccompaniedbytheprescribedapplicationfee.

(3) TheMinistermaybynoticeinwritinggiventotheapplicantrequiretheapplicant-

(a) to provide any further information specified in thenoticewithin theperiodspecifiedinthenotice;or

(b) to participate in an investigation specified in the notice designed toenabletheMinistertoassessthelikelyeffectsofgrantingtheapplicationandtobearthefullcostsoftheinvestigation,orthepartofthosecostsasspecifiedinthenotice.

(4) TheMinistermaytakeanyactiontheMinisterconsidersnecessaryforthepurposeofdecidingtheapplication,including-

(a) consultinganypersonorauthorityinrelationtotheapplication;

(b) appointingapersonorcommitteetocarryoutaninvestigationandreporttotheMinisterinrelationtoanymatterconcerningtheapplication.

(5) IndetermininganapplicationtheMinistermay-

(a) approvetheapplicationandissuethelicencetotheapplicant;or

(b) refusetheapplication.

(6) Alicenceofawaterservicesprovider-

(a) mustbeissuedintheformdeterminedbytheMinister;and

(b) issubjecttotheconditions-

(i) asprescribed;or

(ii) asimposedbytheMinisterandspecifiedinthelicence.



Issue of combined licence to water services provider

42. TheMinistermay,with the consent of an applicant for a licence aswaterservicesprovider,grantacombinedlicencetoabstract,treatanddistributewater,ortotreatanddistributewater,asthecasemaybe,iftherequirementsprescribedbythisActforaseparatelicenceforeachtypeofworkoractivityarecompliedwith.

Failure of water services provider to comply with licence conditions

43. (1) IfawaterservicesproviderfailstocomplywiththisActoracondition towhich the licenceof thewaterservicesprovider issubject, theMinistermaydirectthewaterservicesprovider,inwriting,toremedyitsfailure.

(2) Adirectiveundersubsection(1)mustsetout-

(a) thenatureofthefailure;

(b) themeasuresrequiredtobetakentoremedythefailure;and

(c) areasonabletimewithinwhichthosemeasuresaretobetaken.

(3) If a water services provider fails to take the measures specified inthedirective,theMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforlocalauthorities,wherethewaterservicesproviderisalocalauthority,andafteraffordingthewaterservicesproviderareasonableopportunitytomakerepresentations,may-

(a) directthewaterservicesprovidertoceaseoperatinganywaterworkortoceaseanyactivityunderthelicence;and

(b) authorise,inwriting,anyauthorityorpersontotakeoverandperformanyfunctionsofthewaterservicesproviderunderthelicence.

(4) Anauthorityorpersonauthorisedundersubsection(3)may-

(a) exerciseorperformanyrelevantpowersorfunctionsonbehalfofthewaterservicesprovider;and

(b) use any infrastructure of the water services provider to the extentnecessarytocarryoutthefunctionsofthewaterservicesprovider.

(5) If theMinister is satisfied that a water services provider is able toresumeitsfunctionsunderthelicenceinaneffectivemanner,theMinistermaydirectthewaterservicesproviderandanauthorityorpersonauthorisedundersubsection(3)(b)tomakesuitablearrangementsfortheresumptionofthewaterservicesprovider’sfunctionsunderthelicence,witheffectfromadatespecifiedbytheMinister.

(6) Despitesubsections(1)and(2),theMinistermayexercisethepowersconferredbysubsection(3)withoutanypriordirectiveinaccordancewithsubsection(2)inanycircumstancesinwhichtheMinisterconsidersthatthepublicinterestrequiresthatimmediateactionbetaken.

(7) TheMinistermayrecoverfromthewaterservicesproviderconcernedanyexpensesincurredinconnectionwithanyactiontakenbyanauthorityorpersonauthorisedundersubsection(4)onbehalfofthewaterserviceprovider.



PART11LICENCETOABSTRACTANDUSEWATER

Licence to abstract and use water

44. (1) Exceptasprovidedbysections38and39,apersonmaynotabstractandusewaterfromawaterresource,unlessthepersonholdsalicenceissuedbytheMinisterthatauthorisestheabstractionanduseofwaterfromthatwaterresource.

(2) Anapplicationforalicencetoabstractandusewatermust-

(a) bemadeinthemannerandformapprovedbytheMinister;

(b) containorbeaccompaniedbyanyinformationthatisprescribedorisrequiredbytheMinister;and

(c) beaccompaniedbytheprescribedapplicationfee.

(3) TheMinistermaybywrittennoticegiventotheapplicantrequiretheapplicant-

(a) to provide any further information specified in thenoticewithin theperiodspecifiedinthenotice;or

(b) to participate in an investigation specified in the notice designed toenabletheMinistertoassessthelikelyeffectsofgrantingtheapplicationandtobearthefullcostsoftheinvestigation,orsuchpartofthosecostsasspecifiedbytheMinisterinthenotice.

Consideration of application for licence to abstract and use water

45. (1) Where the locationof theproposedabstraction iswithin thewatermanagementareaofabasinmanagementcommittee,theMinistermustrefertheapplicationtothatcommitteeforinvestigationandthemakingofarecommendationinrelationtotheapplication.

(2) Inconsideringanapplicationforalicencetoabstractandusewater,theMinistermusthaveregardtothefollowingmatters-

(a) any recommendations of the relevant basin management committeemadeinrelationtotheapplication;

(b) whethertheproposedabstractionanduseofwaterunderthelicenceisconsistentwith-

(i) theobjectiveandprinciplesreferredtoinsections2and3;

(ii) theIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan;and

(iii) anyreservationofwatermadeundersection37;

(c) theimpacttheproposedabstractionanduseofwaterunderthelicenceislikelytohaveon-



(i) existingwaterusers;

(ii) waterresources;

(iii) waterresourcequality;or

(iv) waterreservedorallocatedforenvironmentaluses;

(d) theestimatedpotentialofthesurfacewaterorgroundwaterresourcefromwhichtheproposedabstractionisproposedtobemade;

(e) theconformityoftheproposedabstractionandusewithefficientwatermanagementpractices;

(f) theneedtoredresstheeffectsofpastracialandgenderdiscrimination;

(g) theeffecttheproposedabstractionislikelytohaveon-

(i) the quality of water of a water resource or on an aquaticecosystemdependentonthewaterresource;

(ii) the international obligations of Namibia relating tointernationallysharedwaters;

(h) if the application involves the construction of a dam or dugout toimpound water, the type, size and location of the proposed dam ordugoutandthepurposeoftheimpoundment;

(i) theneedtoensuretheefficientandbeneficialuseofwaterresources;

(j) theexistingwaterusebyanytraditionalcommunityfromtherelevantwater resource and the extent of customary rights and practices inrelationtothewaterresource;and

(k) anyothermattertheMinisterconsidersrelevanttohaveregardto.

Determination of application

46. (1) IndeterminingtheapplicationtheMinistermay-



(2) The Minister may not approve the application unless the Ministerconsidersthattheabstractionanduseofwaterunderthelicenceisnotlikelytohaveanysignificantimpactintermsofthematterstobeconsideredundersection45.

(3) Despitesubsection(1)theMinister,insteadofrefusinganapplicationforalicencetoabstractandusewater,may,afternegotiationandwiththeapplicant’sconsent,issuetotheapplicantalicencethatconfersrightsdifferentfromtheauthorisationapplied for by the applicant and to the extent theMinister considers appropriate toapprove.



(4) Iftheapprovalofanapplicationisinrespectoftheimpoundmentofwaterintoaproposeddamordugout,theissueofthelicencemaybemadeconditionalon the completionof the constructionof thedamordugout in accordancewith anyrequirementsprescribedundersection93orasimposedandspecifiedinwritingbytheMinister.

(5) Alicencetoabstractandusewater-

(a) mustbeissuedintheformdeterminedbytheMinister;

(b) mustspecifytheactivitiesauthorisedbythelicence;and

(c) issubjecttotheconditions-

(i) asprescribed;or


(6) Morethanonelicencetoabstractandusewatermaybeissuedinrespectofthesamewaterresource,subjecttothetermsandconditionsthattheMinistermayimposetoprotectthewaterresourcefromoverutilisation.

Combined licence to water abstract and use water and to discharge effluent

47. TheMinistermay,withtheconsentoftheapplicantconcerned,grantacombinedlicencetoabstractandusewaterandtodischargeeffluentiftherequirementsprescribed by thisAct for a separate licence for each type of work or activity arecompliedwith.

Term of licence to abstract and use water

48. Unless sooner cancelled, a licence to abstract and use water, or acombinedlicence,remainsinforcefortheperiod,notexceedingfiveyears,asdeterminedbytheMinisterandspecifiedinthelicence.

Renewal of licence to abstract and use water

49. (1) Theholderofalicencetoabstractandusewatermay,atleastthreemonthsbeforetheexpiryofthelicence,applytotheMinisterfortherenewalofthelicence.

(2) Anapplicationforrenewalmust-

(a) bemadeintheformandmannerapprovedbytheMinister;

(b) containtheinformationthatisprescribedorrequiredbytheMinister;and

(c) beaccompaniedbytheprescribedapplicationfeefortherenewalofthelicence.

(3) InconsideringanapplicationfortherenewalofthelicencetheMinistermust-



(a) have regard to the matters mentioned in section 45 and, if it is acombinedlicence,alsotothemattersmentionedinsection75;and

(b) renewthelicenceunless,intheopinionoftheMinistertherearegoodreasonsnottodoso.

Amendment of licence to abstract and use water

50. (1) TheMinistermayamendalicenceissuedundersection46or47totheextentnecessarytopreventorrectifyanysignificantadverseeffectinrelationto anymattermentioned in section 45 caused or likely to be caused by an activitycarriedoutunderthelicence.

(2) BeforetheMinisteramendsthelicence,theMinistermust-

(a) give at least 30 days’written notice of the proposed amendment totheholderofthelicenceandspecifyinthenoticethereasonsfortheamendment;

(b) consideranyrepresentationssubmittedbytheholderofthelicenceinrelationtotheproposedamendment;and

(c) ifthelicencerelatestoalocationwithinthewatermanagementareaofabasinmanagementcommittee,consideranyrecommendationmadebythatcommitteeinconnectionwiththeproposedamendment.

Suspension or cancellation of licence to abstract or use water

51. (1) TheMinistermay suspend or cancel a licence issued undersection46or47,iftheholderofthelicence-

(a) failstocomplywithaconditiontowhichthelicenceissubject;

(b) fails to complywith thisAct or a directive given under thisAct inconnectionwiththelicence;

(c) failstocommencewithoperationsunderthelicencewithintheperiodspecifiedinthelicence;

(d) havingcommencedwithsuchoperations,discontinuesoperationsunderthelicenceorfailstousethefullquotaallocatedunderthelicenceforacontinuousperiodofatleastthreeyears;or

(e) failstopayanyfeeorchargepayableinrespectofthelicence.

(2) TheMinistermaynotsuspendorcancelalicenceundersubsection(1),unlesstheMinister-

(a) hasgivenwrittennoticetotheholderofthelicencethattheMinisterproposes to suspend or cancel the licence and the reason for theproposedaction;



(b) has given the person the opportunity to make submissions to theMinister,withinareasonablespecifiedperiodofnotlessthan7days,withrespecttotheproposedaction;and

(c) hastakenanysuchsubmissionsintoconsideration.

(3) TheMinistermustgivewrittennoticeofthesuspensionorcancellationofalicencetotheholderofthelicenceandmay,inanoticeofsuspension,stateanyconditionsrequiredtobecompliedwithforthesuspensiontobelifted.

(4) Asuspensionofalicenceremainsofforce-

(a) fortheperiodspecifiedinthenoticeofsuspension;or

(b) untiltheMinister,inwriting,notifiestheholderofthelicencethatthesuspensionislifted.

(5) TheMinistermust cancel a licence to abstract and usewater if theholderofthelicence,bynoticeinwritingtotheMinister,surrendersthelicence,tobeofeffectasfromthedateofsurrenderspecifiedinthenotice.

Procedure upon expiry or cancellation of licence to abstract and use water

52. Ifalicencetoabstractandusewaterexpiresandisnotrenewedoriscancelled,theMinistermay-

(a) requiretheholderofthelicencetotakeallreasonablestepstoensurethattheabstractionpointconcernedandaffectedareaisrestored,attheperson’sownexpense, toaconditionsimilar to theconditionbeforethelicencewasgranted,includingtosealoffaboreholeusedforwaterabstractioninamannerdirectedbytheMinister,ifdoingsoispracticalinthecircumstances;or

(b) enterintoanarrangementwiththeholderofthelicenceoranyotherpersonappointedbyagreementwith theholder, for themaintenanceof awaterworkor thecontinuationof theoperationof awastewatertreatmentfacility.

Licence to abstract and use water not transferable

53. Exceptasprovidedbysection54,alicencetoabstractandusewateror any right conferredby sucha licence isnot transferablebywayof lease, saleoralienationotherwise.

Succession to licence to abstract and use water upon death of holder of licence

54. (1) Uponthedeathoftheholderofalicencetoabstractandusewater,thelicencepassestoanypersonnominatedbythedeceasedinhisorherwillor,intheabsenceofsuchanomination,totheheirorheirsofthedeceased’sestate,ifthepersonorpersonsconcernedagreetoobtainthelicence.

(2) Alicencepassedtoapersoninaccordancewithsubsection(1)issubjecttothesameconditionsthatappliedtothelicencebeforethedeathoftheholderofthelicence.



(3) For purposes of succession as contemplated in subsection (1), theperson nominated by the deceased or the heir or hers of the deceased’s estatemustprovidetotheMinistry-

(a) acertifiedcopyofthelettersofexecutionorendorsement,asthecasemaybe;

(b) whereaNoticeiscausedbytheMasteroftheHighCourttobepublishedinthegazette,ascontemplatedinsection18oftheAdministrationofEstatesAct,1965(ActNo.66of1965),acopyofthegazette inwhichsuchNoticeispublished;

(c) where the administration of a deceased’s estate is supervised by amagistrate in terms of section 4A of theAdministration of EstatesAct, 1965 (ActNo.66of1965), certifiedcopiesof suchdocumentspertainingtotheestatewhichhavebeenlodgedwiththemagistrateorwhichdocumentsareunderhisorhercontrol;or

(d) anyothercertifieddocumentissuedbytheMasteroftheHighCourtorthemagistratesupervisingtheadministrationofthedeceased’sestate,indicatingthatsuchpersonwasnominatedbythedeceasedorthatsuchpersonisaheirofthedeceased’sestate.

Licence to abstract and use water does not guarantee availability of water

55. AlicencetoabstractandusewaterdoesnotguaranteetheavailabilityofwaterandtheStateisnotliableifawaterresource,forwhateverreason,failstoyieldthequantityofwaterpermittedforabstractioninthelicence.

PART12CONTROLANDPROTECTIONOFGROUNDWATER

Drilling or construction of borehole or well

56. (1) Exceptasprovidedbysection39,anowneroroccupieroflandmaynotundertakeorpermittobeundertakenonthelandanyworkto-

(a) drillorconstructaborehole;

(b) deepen,enlarge,alter,cleanorrehabilitateaborehole;

(c) constructawellorinsertwell-points;or

(d) engageinaboreholedrillingprogramme,

unless the person is the holder of a borehole licence issued by theMinister whichauthorisesthatsuchworkbeundertakenorsuchworkisexemptfromtherequirementofaboreholelicenceintermsofanoticepublishedundersubsection(2).

(2) TheMinistermaybynoticepublishedintheGazetteexempt-

(a) anypersonorclassofpersons;or



(b) anyboreholeworksorclassofboreholeworks,

from the requirement of a borehole licence in terms of subsection (1), eitherunconditionally,oronspecifiedconditionsorinspecifiedcircumstances.

(3) Anapplicationforaboreholelicencemust-


(b) contain or be accompanied by any information that is prescribed orrequiredbytheMinister;

(c) be accompanied by thewritten consent of the owner of the land onwhichtheboreholeissituatedortobesituated,iftheapplicantisnottheowneroftheland;and

(d) beaccompaniedbytheprescribedapplicationfee.

(4) Iftheproposedboreholeworksunderthelicenceistobeundertakenon land within the water management area of a basin management committee, theMinistermustrefertheapplicationtothatcommitteeforinvestigationandthemakingofarecommendationinrelationtotheapplication.

(5) InconsideringanapplicationforaboreholelicencetheMinistermusthaveregardto-

(a) any recommendation of the relevant basin management committeemadeinrelationtotheapplication;

(b) thehydrogeologicalconditionsandexpectedgroundwaterpotentialoftheareawheredrillingistobeundertaken,unlessthepurposeofthedrillingworkistoestablishthoseconditions;

(c) whethertheproposeduseofwatertobeabstractedconformstoefficientwatermanagementpractices;and

(d) the effect that the abstraction ofwater from the borehole orwell towhichtheapplicationrelatesislikelytohaveon-

(i) anycustomaryrightsandpracticesrelatedtothewaterresourceconcernedor theneedsofanycommunitydependentonthatwaterresource;or

(ii) anyaquiferortheflowofgroundwater.

(6) Indetermininganapplicationforaboreholelicence,theMinistermay-



(7) Aboreholelicence-




(b) mustspecifytheboreholeworksauthorisedtobecarriedoutunderthelicence;and


(i) asprescribed;or


Amendment of borehole licence

57. (1) The Minister may amend a borehole licence to the extentnecessarytopreventorrectifyanysignificantadverseeffectinrelationtoanymattermentionedinsection56(5)causedorlikelytobecausedbyanactivitycarriedoutunderthelicence.


(a) give at least 30 days’written notice of the proposed amendment totheholderofthelicenceandspecifyinthenoticethereasonsfortheamendment;and

(b) consideranyrepresentationssubmittedbytheholderofthelicenceinrelationtotheproposedamendment.

Borehole licence not transferable

58. Subjecttosection59,aboreholelicenceorarightconferredbysuchlicenceisnottransferablebywayoflease,saleoralienationotherwise.

Succession to borehole licence upon death of holder of licence

59. (1) Uponthedeathoftheholderofaboreholelicence,thelicencepassestoanypersonnominatedbythedeceasedinhisorherwillor,intheabsenceofsuchanomination,totheheirorheirsofthedeceased’sestate,ifthepersonorpersonsconcernedagreetoobtainthelicence.


Duty to keep records and provide information on drilling

60. The holder of a borehole licence, or if the holder engages anotherpersontodrillaboreholeorcarryoutrelatedworkonlandownedbythelicenceholderoronlandownedbyanotherperson,theholderofthelicence,orthecontractor,whereacontractorisengaged,must-

(a) keep such recordsof thedrillingandotheroperationscarriedout asstipulatedinthelicence;and



(b) furnishtheMinisterwithinformationonthefindingsofsuchdrillingsoroperationswhenrequestedtodosobytheMinisterinwriting.

Borehole drilling for mining or other operations

61. (1) Despiteanyotherlaw,orauthorisationgrantedbyacompetentauthority under any other law, a person who, for the purpose of exploring for orextractingmineralsoranyothersubstance,otherthangroundwater,orforroadorotherconstructionwork,proposestodrillaborehole,deepenorenlargeanexistingborehole,ormakeordeepenanexcavationinthegroundtothelevelorbelowthelevelofthewatertable,maynotcommencewithworkinthatregardunlesstheperson,inaccordancewithsection56,hasappliedforandhasbeengrantedaboreholelicencebytheMinistertoundertakesuchwork.

(2) Aboreholelicencegrantedundersubsection(1)-

(a) mustspecifytheworkauthorisedtobecarriedoutunderthelicence;and

(b) issubjecttotheconditions-

(i) asprescribed;or


(3) Conditionsreferredtoinsubsection(2)(b)mayincluderequirementsasto-

(a) thefurnishingofanyspecifieddataorinformation;and

(b) the taking of specified measures for ensuring that groundwater isconservedandprotected.

(4) Any excess water collected for continued periods of more than 7days,asaresultofanyoperationreferredtoinsubsection(1),mustbedisposedofasdeterminedbytheMinisterinwriting.

Refusal of access to State-owned borehole

62. (1) Apersonmaynot-

(a) do any act obstructing or interfering with any person from using aState-owned borehole;or

(b) damage, remove or otherwise tamperwith any equipment or deviceinstalledatsuchaboreholewhichisprovidedforpublicuseorforthemonitoringofgroundwaterbehaviour.

(2) TheMinister,awaterpointcommitteeorlocalwatercommitteeorabasinmanagementcommitteemaysummarilyremoveanyobjectcausinganobstructionorinterferencereferredtoinsubsection(1)andrecoverthereasonablecostsincurredinsuchremovalfromthepersonresponsiblefortheobstructionorinterference.



Wastage of groundwater

63. Apersonmaynotcauseorallowanygroundwatertoruntowastefromaborehole,well,shaft,mineorotherexcavation,except-

(a) for thepurposeof testing thecapacityorqualityof thesupply,or toclean,sterilize,examineorrepairaborehole;

(b) whenthewaterinterferesorthreatenstointerferewithminingoperationsorperformanceofanyotherundergroundwork;or

(c) whengroundwaterposesathreattolifeorproperty.

Licence to dispose of groundwater abstracted from mine or underground work

64. (1) Except under authority of a groundwater disposal licenceissuedbytheMinister,apersonmaynotabstractanddisposeofgroundwater-

(a) fromamineorotherexcavationtofacilitateminingorotherundergroundoperations;or

(b) todewateranareaforconstructionpurposes.

(2) Anapplicationforagroundwaterdisposallicencemust-


(b) contain or be accompanied by any information that is prescribed orrequiredbytheMinister;and


(3) Indeterminingtheapplication,theMinistermay-



(4) Agroundwaterdisposallicence-




(i) asprescribed;or


(5) The holder of a licence to dispose of groundwatermay not disposeofwaterabstractedunderthelicenceataplaceorinamannerotherthantheplaceormannerspecifiedinthelicenceorasapprovedbytheMinisterinwriting.



Water abstraction in emergency

65. (1) Apersonmayinanemergencysituationfortheprotectionofhumanlifeorproperty,withoutalicence,abstractwaterfromamineoranyotherplace.

(2) Apersonabstractingwaterundersubsection(1)must-

(a) assoonaspracticableinformtheMinisterverballyoftheemergencysituation;and

(b) notlaterthan14daysaftertheemergencysituationisresolved,furnishtheMinisterwithawrittenreportoftheincident.

Protection of aquifers

66. (1) Forthepurposeofpromotingthesustainableuseandprotectionofaquifers,theMinistermay-

(a) causethegroundwaterpotentialofanyaquifertobeinvestigated;

(b) by notice published in a manner appropriate for the area, imposerestrictionsorlimitationstoensurethatthetotalabstractionofwaterpermittedfromanaquiferdoesnotexceedthegroundwaterpotential;

(c) determine and define aquifer boundaries based on available hydro-geologicalinformation;

(d) prescribe, or impose as licence conditions, special requirements andrestrictionswith respect to the drilling and use of artesian and sub-artesianboreholesforthepurposeofpreventing-

(i) thewastageofwater;

(ii) the leakageofwaterfromconfinedartesianaquifers tootheraquifers;

(iii) thecontaminationoftheaquifer;or

(iv) thereductionorlossofartesianpressure;

(e) investigate the need or advisability of the construction of works toenhance the natural recharge of aquifers or to facilitate the artificialrechargeofaquiferswherefeasible;

(f) prescribe procedures and conditions for the artificial recharge ofaquifers, including standards for the quality of water that may beinjected;

(g) prescribe, or impose as licence conditions, special requirements forenhancementofnaturalrechargetolowertheriskofaquiferpollution;

(h) directtheowneroroccupieroflandtosealoffanyboreholesituatedontheland-



(i) whichwasdrilledwithoutthenecessarylicence;or

(ii) whichmaybeleakingwaterfromtheconfinedartesianaquiferintothesurroundingunconfinedaquifers.

(2) Ifapersonfailstocomplywithadirectivegivenundersubsection(1)(h)withinthetimespecifiedinthedirective,theMinistermay-

(a) cause the borehole to be sealed off by a person designated by theMinisterforthepurpose;and

(b) recover from the owner or occupier concerned, the reasonable costincurredinsealingofftheboreholeasadebtowingtotheState.

Licensing of borehole drillers and well constructors

67. (1) Apersonmaynotundertakeworkto-

(a) drillaborehole;

(b) deepen,enlarge,alter,cleanorrehabilitateaborehole;

(c) constructawellorinsertwell-points;or

(d) sealoffaborehole,

unless the person is the holder of a driller’s licence of the prescribed category thatauthorisesworkofthekindproposedtobecarriedout,orthepersonisworkingunderthecontinuouson-sitesupervisionoftheholderofsuchalicence.

(2) Subject toanyexemptionasmaybeprescribed,adriller’s licence isrequiredfortheperformanceofanyworkreferredtoinsubsection(1)inrelationtoaboreholeorwellforanypurpose, includingwatersupply,groundwater investigation,exploringfororextractinganymineralorothersubstance,otherthanwater,orforroadorotherconstructionwork.

(3) Anapplicationforadriller’slicencemust-


(b) contain or be accompanied by any information that is prescribed orrequiredbytheMinister;and



(a) if the Minister is satisfied that the applicant has the prescribedqualifications,approvetheapplicationandissuethedriller’slicencetotheapplicant;or




(5) Adriller’slicence-


(b) mustspecify thecategoryofwork thatmaybecarriedoutunder thelicence;and


(i) asprescribed;or


(6) TheMinistermustprescribethequalificationstobeheldortechnicalrequirements tobecompliedwithbyapersoninorder tobeeligible tobegrantedadriller’slicenceofaspecifiedcategory.

(7) TheMinistermayprescribeobligationstobecompliedwithbylicenseddrillersinrelationtoworkcarriedoutortobecarriedoutunderthelicenceconcerned.

(8) If the holder of driller’s licence fails to comply with, or causes orpermitsapersontocontraveneorfailtocomplywith,aconditiontowhichthelicenceissubject,theMinister,aftergivingtheholderofthelicencereasonableopportunitytomakesubmissionstotheMinister,may-

(a) suspend the licence, either for a specifiedperiodor indefinitely, andstateanyconditionstobecompliedwithforthesuspensiontobelifted;

(b) cancelthelicence;or

(c) order the holder of the licence to pay a penalty determined by theMinister,notexceedingtheprescribedamount.

(9) Apenaltyimposedundersubsection(8)(c)constitutesadebtduebythelicenceholdertotheState.

PART13WATERPOLLUTIONCONTROL

Pollution Control

68. (1) Apersonmaynotbyanyactoromissioncauseawaterresourcetobepolluted,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,unlessauthorisedtodosobyorunderthisActoranyotherlaw,andinaccordancewiththatauthorisation.

(2) Aperson-

(a) who is responsible for carrying on any activity involving theproduction, conveyance, storage, or deposit of, or dealing otherwisewith,wastewater,effluentorwaste;or

(b) beingtheowneroroccupierofland,orapersonotherwiseincontrolofland,whereanyotheractivityiscarriedonoranysituationexistswhichisormaybeasourceofpollution,



musttakeprecautionstoensurethatnoactivityorsituationresultsincausingawaterresource to be polluted, including anymeasures theMinister, inwriting, directs thepersontotakewithinaspecifiedtimeforthepurposeofpreventingsuchpollution.

(3) Apersonwho,byanyactoromission,causesorpermitsanypersontocauseawaterresourcetobepollutedmust,withoutunduedelay,takesuchmeasuresasarereasonablynecessarytoremedytheeffectsofthepollution,includinganymeasurestheMinister,inwriting,directsthepersontotakewithinaspecifiedtimeforthepurposeofremedyingtheeffectsofthepollution.

(4) IfapersonfailstocomplywithadirectivegivenbytheMinisterundersubsection(2)or(3)withinthetimespecifiedinthedirective,orsuchadditionaltimeastheMinisteronapplicationmayapprove,theMinistermay-

(a) causeanyactiontobetakenthatisreasonablynecessarytogiveeffecttotherequirementsofthedirectivegivenundertherelevantsubsection;and

(b) recoverfromtheperson,asadebtowingtotheState,thereasonablecostincurredinconnectionwithworkundertakentogiveeffecttothoserequirements.

Obligation to provide and operate systems for discharge of effluent, wastewater and waste

69. (1) A local authority and other water services providers or anyotherauthority,bodyorpersonthatcontrolsorsupplieswater,isresponsibletoprovide,manageandoperatesystemsfortheconveyance,treatmentanddisposalofwastewaterproduced in its area of operation, including, subject to section 70(2), industrialwastewater.

(2) A local authority and other water services provider or an authority,bodyorpersonreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustperformthefunctionscontemplatedinthatsubsection-

(a) underalicencetodischargeeffluent,alicencetoconstructoroperateawastewater treatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite issuedbytheMinister;and

(b) inaccordancewiththeconditionstowhichthelicenceissubject.

(3) A local authority or anyother authority or person that has authorityoveranyarea inwhichanydomesticor industrialactivity, thatmaycausepollution,takesplace,isultimatelyresponsibleforthepreventionofanypollutioninthatarea.

(4) Wherethereismorethanonewastewatertreatmentorwastedisposalsiteinanareareferredtoinsubsection(3),onlyonelicencemaybeissuedtothelocalauthorityorotherauthorityorpersonhavingauthorityoverthatarea.

(5) A lessor of land or premises where any industrial, mining or otheractivity iscarriedonby the lessee, thatmaycausewaterpollution, is responsible toremedytheeffectsofanypollutioncausedbysuchactivityintheeventthatthelesseefailstoremedytheeffectsofsuchpollution.



(6) An occupier of land used for agricultural purposes is responsible toensurethat-

(a) wastewater,solidwaste,manure,orotherobnoxiousmaterialsproducedonthelandthatmaycausepollutionofwaterorawaterresourcearestoredanddealtwith;and

(b) anychemicalsor toxicmaterials, includingpesticidesandfertilizers,arestoredandapplied,

inamannerthatdoesnotpollutegroundwaterorsurfacewaterresourcesorsignificantlyaffectresourcequality.

Prohibition on discharge of wastewater, effluent or waste without licence

70. (1) ExceptunderalicenceissuedunderthisActthatauthorisestheholderofthelicencetodoso,orinaccordancewithanexemptiongrantedundersection71,apersonmaynot-

(a) by any act or omission, cause or allow any wastewater, effluent orwastetobedischargedordeposited,directlyorindirectly,intoawaterresource,ortobeintroducedintoaboreholeorwell;

(b) constructawastewatertreatmentfacilityorestablishawastedisposalsiteaboveanaquiferorwithinsuchdistanceofanaquiferwhereitislikelytoconstituteasourceofpollution,directlyorindirectly,oftheaquifer.

(2) Apersonmaynotdischarge into the seweragesystemany industrialwastewater from an abattoir, tannery, brewery, dye-house or any other obnoxiousindustrial wastewater which may inhibit the biological process of the wastewatertreatment facilityofa localauthorityorotherownerof sucha facility, except if thedischargeisdoneinaccordancewithaspecialagreementbetweenthepersondischargingsuchindustrialwastewaterandthelocalauthorityorotherownerconcerned.

(3) A local authority or other person holding a licence to operate awastewatertreatmentfacilitymayonlyenterintoanagreementreferredtoinsubsection(2), inrespectof thedischargeof industrialwastewater, if the localauthorityor thatperson is authorised, by virtue of a specific condition of the licence, to accept suchwastewaterintotheseweragesystemoriftheMinister,inwriting,grantsapprovalforsuchanagreement.

Exemption of certain discharges

71. (1) TheMinistermay,uponapplicationbyanyperson,exemptthatpersoninwritingfromanyprovisionofsection70,andauthorisetheperson-

(a) to discharge effluent from any septic tank, French drain or similarprivate sewerage facility serving a single household into a waterresource,includingintoaboreholeorwell;

(b) with or without conditions, to discharge certain effluents based onvolumeorcompositionoftheeffluentortypeofuse;



(c) tousealternativemethodsforthetreatmentordisposalofwastewater,effluent or waste in accordance with any technology evaluated andapprovedbytheMinister.

(2) TheMinistermaywithdraw an exemption granted under subsection(1),oramendtheexemptionbyimposingneworfurtherconditions,orbywithdrawingcertainconditions,inanycircumstancesinwhichtheMinisterconsidersthatthepublicinterestrequiressuchwithdrawaloramendment.

Application for licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

72. (1) Anapplicationforalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,must-


(b) contain or be accompanied by the information as prescribed or asrequiredbytheMinister;and


(2) TheMinistermay require the applicant to submit an environmentalimpact analysis of the likely effects of activities proposed to be authorised by thelicenceonwaterresourcesandownersandoccupiersoflandintheareawhereeffluentis proposed tobedischargedor theproposedwastewater treatment facilityorwastedisposalsiteistobelocated.

(3) Anenvironmentalimpactanalysisreferredtoinsubsection(2)must-

(a) complywithsuchbasicrequirementsasareprescribedandanyotherrequirementsastheMinistermayrequire;and

(b) be carried out and prepared, at the applicant’s own expense by apersonwhohasappropriateexpertise in relation to the identificationandevaluationofpotential risks involved in the typeofactivitiesasproposedtobeauthorisedbythelicence.

Advertisement of application and submissions

73. (1) If theMinister considers it advisable that public notificationbegivenof theapplicationfor thepurposeof invitingsubmissions in relation to theapplication,theMinistermay,inwriting,directtheapplicanttoadvertisetheapplication.

(2) An advertisement required under subsection (1) must be publishedonceaweekfortwoconsecutiveweeksinatleasttwonewspaperscirculatedwidelyinNamibiaandmust-

(a) containtheparticularsinrelationtotheapplicationasprescribedorasrequiredbytheMinister;

(b) statethattheapplicationand,ifapplicable,theenvironmentalimpactanalysis, are available for inspection at the office of the PermanentSecretaryandanyotherplaceastheMinistermaydirectorapprove;



(c) invitewrittensubmissions,inrelationtothelicenceappliedfor,tobelodgedwiththeMinister;and

(d) specifytheclosingdateforsubmissions,whichmaynotbeearlierthan30daysafterthedateofthelastpublicationoftheadvertisementinthenewspapers.

(3) Theapplicantmust furnishproofofadvertisementof theapplicationto theMinister as soon as is practicable after the date of the last publication of theadvertisementinthenewspapers.

(4) Ifanywrittensubmissionobjectingtotheissueofthelicenceappliedforisreceived,theMinistermust,bywrittennoticetotheapplicant-

(a) providetheapplicantwithacopyofthewrittenobjection;and

(b) advisetheapplicantthatanyrepresentationinresponsetotheobjectionmay be submitted to theMinisterwithin 30 days of the date of theMinister’snotice.

Procedure for consideration of application

74. (1) The Minister may take any action the Minister considersappropriateforconsideringtheapplicationforalicence,whichmayinclude-

(a) consultinganyinstitution,personorauthorityontheapplication, theenvironmentalimpactanalysisoranysubmissionreceivedinrelationtotheapplication;

(b) appointing any person or a committee of persons to carry out aninvestigation,includingaprocessofpublicconsultation,andtoreporttotheMinister,inrelationtoanymatterconcerningtheapplication,theenvironmentalimpactanalysisoranysubmission;

(c) holdingapublichearingordirectingapublichearingtobeheldbeforeapersonorcommitteedesignatedbytheMinisterforthepurpose.

(2) Atleast14daysbeforethedatefixedfortheholdingofapublichearing,inaccordancewithsubsection(1)(c),theMinistermustgivenoticeofthehearing-

(a) inwritingtotheapplicant;

(b) inwritingtoeverypersonfromwhomasubmissioninrelationtotheapplicationhasbeenreceived;and

(c) bypublicationofthenoticeinatleasttwonewspaperscirculatedwidelyinNamibia.

(3) Thenoticeintermsofsubsection(2)must-

(a) specifythedate,timeandplaceofthepublichearing;and

(b) containabriefdescriptionofthenatureoftheapplication.



Considering and determining application

75. (1) Inconsideringanapplicationforalicencetodischargeeffluentoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,theMinistermust,inadditiontoanysubmissionsmadeinrelationtotheapplication,haveregardalsotothefollowingmatters-

(a) whethertheactivitiessoughttobeauthorisedbythelicenceappliedforareconsistentwiththeIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan;

(b) thepurposesforwhichwaterfromanysourcetowhichthedischargeisproposedtobemadearebeingusedorwhichmaybeaffectedbythewastedisposalsite;

(c) theconcentrationofwaterbornecontaminants;

(d) the impact of the discharge orwaste disposal site on existingwateruses;

(e) the impact of the proposed wastewater treatment facility or wastedisposalsiteupongroundwater;

(f) the impact of the proposed effluent discharge on the environment,includingownersandoccupiersoflandandwaterresources,andwaterresourcequality in thevicinityof theproposedeffluentdischargeorwastewatertreatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite;

(g) the effect the proposed effluent discharge or wastewater treatmentfacility or waste disposal site could have on Namibia’s obligationsrelatingtointernationallysharedwaters;

(h) theneedtoensuretheefficientandbeneficialuseofwaterresources,includingre-useofwater;

(i) the installation of metering devices by the applicant to measurewastewaterandeffluent;

(j) the application of cleaner production techniques in industrial,agricultural andmining activities designed to improve efficiency inthe use of resources by reducing or preventing pollution and wastegenerationatthesourcethereof;and

(k) anyothercriteria theMinisterconsidersappropriate tobe taken intoaccount.


(a) approvetheapplicationandissuethelicenceappliedfortotheapplicant;or


(3) Alicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite-






(i) asprescribed;or


Standards of effluent quality

76. (1) Fortheprotectionofwaterresourcesandtheenvironmentfrompollution,theMinistermayprescribe-

(a) qualitystandardswithwhicheffluentdischargesmustcomply;and

(b) requirements for the acceptance, storage, treatment and disposal ofsolidwaste.

(2) TheMinistermay-

(a) establishandmaintainlaboratoriesandotherfacilitiesnecessaryforthecapacitytomonitor,testandverifythequalityofsoils,wastewaterandeffluent;

(b) prescriberequirementsforthelicensingofprivatelyownedlaboratoriesestablishedfortestingandascertainingthequalityofsoils,wastewaterandeffluent foranypurpose, includingqualification requirementsoftechniciansthatmaybeengagedinsuchlaboratories;

(c) prescribe requirements for the recycling and re-use of treatedwastewater, including industrial wastewater, the management andoperationofanysystemfor therecycling, re-useandsupplyofsuchtreatedwater,includingcriteriainrespectofqualitystandardsofsuchwaterforuseforaspecifiedpurpose;and

(d) developanationalprogrammeforthetestingandmonitoringofsoilsandeffluentquality.

Duration of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

77. Alicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,unlesscancelledbeforetheperiodofvalidityindicatedonsuchlicense,remains inforceforaperiod,notexceedingfiveyears,asdeterminedbytheMinisterandspecifiedinthelicence.

Renewal of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

78. (1) Atleastthreemonthsbeforetheexpiryofalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,theholderofthelicencemayapplytotheMinisterfortherenewalofthelicence.



(2) Anapplicationforrenewalmust-


(b) containtheinformationthatisprescribedorrequiredbytheMinister;and

(c) beaccompaniedbytheprescribedrenewalfeeforthelicence.

(3) InconsideringanapplicationfortherenewalofthelicencetheMinistermust-

(a) haveregardtothemattersmentionedinsection75(1);and

(b) renewthelicenceunless,intheopinionoftheMinister,therearegoodreasonstorefuserenewalofthelicence.

Amendment of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

79. (1) TheMinistermayamendalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsitetotheextentnecessarytopreventorrectifyanysignificantadverseeffectinrelationtoanymattermentionedinsection75(1)causedorlikelytobecausedbyanactivitycarriedoutunderthelicence.


(a) give at least 30 days’written notice of the proposed amendment totheholderofthelicenceandspecifyinthenoticethereasonsfortheamendment;and

(b) consideranyrepresentationssubmittedbytheholderofthelicenceinrelationtotheproposedamendment.

Transfer of licence to discharge effluents or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

80. (1) A licence to discharge effluent or to construct or operate awastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsitemay,withthewrittenapprovaloftheMinister,betransferredbytheholderofthelicencetoanotherperson.

(2) An application for theMinister’s approval for transfer of a licenceundersubsection(1),must-


(b) contain or be accompanied by the information as prescribed or asrequiredbytheMinister;and




(3) Uponreceiptofanapplicationintermsofsubsection(2),theMinistermust-

(a) considerwhetherthetermsandconditionsoftheproposedtransferareconsistentwiththetermsandconditionsofthelicence;

(b) consideranydeviationfromthetermsandconditionsofthelicencethatmayhaveanadverse impactuponotherpersonsor theenvironment;and

(c) givetheproposedtransfereeandanypersonshavinganinterestwhowish to make any representation in relation to the application, areasonableopportunitytomakesuchrepresentation.

(4) TheMinistermust,within60daysofreceiptoftheapplicationmakeadeterminationinrespectoftheapplication,andmay-

(a) grantapprovalforthetransferofthelicenceinquestion,subjecttosuchconditionsastheMinistermayimpose;or

(b) refusetograntapprovalforthetransferofthelicence.

(5) IftheMinisterrefusestograntapprovalforthetransferofthelicence,theMinistermust, inwriting, inform theholder of the licenceof the reason for therefusal.

Succession to licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

81. (1) Uponthedeathofanindividualwhoistheholderofalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,thelicencepassestoanypersonnominatedbytheholderofthelicenceinhisorherwillor, in theabsenceofsuchanomination, to theheirorheirsof thedeceased’sestateifthepersonorpersonsconcernedagreetoobtainthelicence,


Suspension or cancellation of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

82. (1) Subjecttosubsections(2)and(3),theMinistermaycancelalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,orsuspenditinwholeorinpart,if-

(a) theholderofthelicencefailstocomplywiththisActoranyconditiontowhichthelicenceissubject;

(b) theholderofthelicencefailstocommencewithoperationsunderthelicencewithintheperiodstipulatedinthelicence;



(c) having commenced with such operations, the holder of the licencediscontinuesoperationsunderthelicenceforacontinuousperiodofatleastthreeyears;

(d) itisinthepublicinteresttodoso.

(2) TheMinistermaysuspendorcancelalicenceundersubsection(1)onlyiftheMinisterhasgiventheholderofthelicenceanopportunitytomakerepresentationstotheMinisterwithin30daysofreceiptofthenotificationoftheintentionoftheMinistertosuspendorcancelthelicenceandtheMinister,afterconsideringanyrepresentationsmade,decidesthatthelicencebesuspendedorcancelled.

Failure of holder of licence

83. (1) Iftheholderofalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,failstocomplywiththisActoraconditiontowhichthelicenceofthatholderissubject,theMinistermay,withoutprejudice to thepowersconferredbysection82,and insteadofexercisingapowerunderthatsection,directtheholderofthelicenceinwritingtoremedythefailureinquestion.

(2) Adirectiveundersubsection(1)mustsetout-

(a) thenatureofthefailure;

(b) themeasuresrequiredtobetakentoremedythefailure;and

(c) areasonabletimewithinwhichthosemeasuresaretobetaken.

(3) If a the holder of the licence fails to take themeasures specified inthedirective,theMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforlocalauthorities,wheretheholderofthelicenceisalocalauthority,andafteraffordingthatholderareasonableopportunitytomakerepresentations,may-

(a) directtheholderofthelicencetoceaseoperatinganywaterworkortoceaseanyactivityunderthelicence;and

(b) authoriseinwritinganyauthorityorpersontotakeoverandperformanyfunctionsoftheholderofthelicenceunderthatlicence.

(4) Anauthorityorpersonauthorisedundersubsection(3)(b)may-

(a) exerciseorperformanyrelevantpowersorfunctionsonbehalfoftheholderofthelicence;and

(b) mayuse any infrastructureof theholderof the licence to the extentnecessarytocarryoutthefunctionsoftheholderofthelicence.

(5) IftheMinisterissatisfiedthattheholderofthelicenceisabletoresumefunctionsunderthatlicenceinaneffectivemanner,theMinistermaydirecttheholderofthatlicenceandanauthorityorpersonauthorisedundersubsection(3)(b)tomakesuitablearrangementsfortheresumptionofthosefunctionsbytheholderofthatlicencewitheffectformadatespecifiedbytheMinister.



(6) Despitesubsections(1)and(2),theMinistermayexercisethepowersconferredbysubsection(3)withoutanypriordirectiveinaccordancewithsubsection(2)inanycircumstancesinwhichtheMinisterconsidersthatthepublicinterestrequiresthatimmediateactionbetaken.

(7) TheMinistermayrecoverfromtheholderofthelicence,asadebtduetotheState,thereasonableexpensesincurredinconnectionwithanyactiontakenbyanauthorityorpersonauthorisedundersubsection(4)onbehalfoftheholderofthatlicence.

Procedure after expiry or cancellation of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site

84. Ifalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsiteexpiresandisnotrenewedoriscancelled,theMinistermay-

(a) directtheholderofthatlicencetorestore,attheholder’sownexpense,anyaffectedareaofanylandorotherproperty,toaconditionsimilartotheconditionbeforethatlicencewasgranted,ifdoingsoisreasonableandpracticableunderthecircumstances;or

(b) enterintoanarrangementwiththeholderofthatlicenceoranyotherinterested person for the maintenance of the wastewater treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite.

PART14WATERPROTECTIONAREAS

Declaration of water protection area

85. (1) TheMinister,onhisorherowninitiativeoruponapplicationbypersonshavinganinterest,maydeclare,bynoticeintheGazette,anareatobeawaterprotectionareaiftheMinisterconsidersitadvisableinordertoprotectandenhanceanywaterresource,riverinehabitat,watershed,ecosystemorotherenvironmentalresourcethat is at risk of significant changes to resource quality, depletion, contamination,extinctionordisturbancefromanysource,includingaquaticorterrestrialweeds.

(2) IftheMinisterproposestodeclareawaterprotectionarea,theMinistermust,bynoticepublishedorgiveninamannerappropriatefortheareaastheMinisterthinksfit-

(a) make known the proposed declaration of the water protection area,specifying-

(i) the resource proposed to be protected and the purpose forwhichitistobeprotected;

(ii) theproposedboundariesoftheprotectionarea;and

(iii) any limitations or prohibitions proposed to be imposed inrespectofactivitiesintheprotectionarea;and



(b) invite owners and occupiers of land in the area and other interestedpersonstomakesubmissionstotheMinisteronanymatterinrelationto the proposed declaration not later than the date specified in thenotice,whichmustbenotearlierthan30daysafterthedatethenoticeispublishedorgivenbytheMinister.

(3) IftheMinister,afterconsiderationofanysubmissionsmade,decidestodeclaretheareaawaterprotectionarea,theMinistermustdosobynoticepublishedintheGazette,whichmust-

(a) specifytheresourceprotectedandthepurposeforwhichitisrequiredtobeprotected;

(b) giveadescriptionofthegeographicboundariesoftheprotectionarea;and

(c) specifyanylimitationsorprohibitionsimposedinrespectofactivitiesthatareapplicableintheprotectionarea.

(4) Indeterminingtheboundariesofawaterprotectionarea,theMinistermusttakeintoaccountcompetinginterestsinwaterresourcesandotherenvironmentalresourcesinthearea.

(5) Theboundariesofawaterprotectionareamaybedescribedinanoticeundersubsection(3)byanymeansthatismostdescriptiveoftheareaorbyreferencetoeitherorbothof-

(a) surveycoordinates;or

(b) distancesfromoneormoreconspicuousphysicalfeatures.

Effect of declaration of water protection area

86. (1) A person may not, by any act or omission, within a waterprotectionareacontraveneorfailtocomplywithanylimitationorprohibitionimposedand specified in the notice of declaration of the water protection area or any otherprovisionofthisAct.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred on theMinisterbysection85(3)(c),limitationsorprohibitionsimposedinrespectofawaterprotectionareamayrelateto-

(a) the drilling of boreholes, construction ofwells or the abstraction ofwater;

(b) theerectionofstructures;

(c) thepossession,useorkeepingofspecifiedchemicalproductsortoxicmaterials,includingpesticidesorfertilizers;

(d) thealterationoflandcontours,includingtheconstructionorgradingorroadsorthecultivationofcrops;



(e) theremovalorharvestingofvegetation,includingthefellingoftrees,theremovalofripariangrowth,thedrainingofwetlandsortheuseofwetlandresources;

(f) thedischargeofeffluent;

(g) operationsformining,dredgingorthereclamationofland;and

(h) anyothermeasuresnecessaryfortheprotectionofawaterresource.

(3) Ifalimitationimposedonwaterabstractionoreffluentdischargewithinawaterprotectionareaaffectsanexistinglicenceandrequiresaconsequentialvariationofanyallocationunderthelicence,theMinistermay-

(a) bywritten notice to the holder of the licence concerned, amend thelicencetotheextentnecessarytogiveeffecttothelimitation;

(b) if twoormorelicences toabstractordischargeeffluentareaffected,bywrittennoticetotheholdersofthelicencesconcerned,amendthelicences toachieveanequitablebalance,as faras ispossible, in thedistributionofallocationsunderthoselicences.

Amendment or withdrawal of water protection area declaration

87. (1) TheMinistermay,bynoticeintheGazette-

(a) amendthedeclarationofawaterprotectionareaby-

(i) alteringthegeographicboundariesofthearea;or

(ii) amendinganylimitationorprohibitionimposedinrespectofactivities tobeapplicable in thearea, includingby imposinganyfurtherlimitationorprohibition;or

(b) withdrawthedeclarationofthewaterprotectionareaifthecircumstancesunderwhichthedeclarationwasmadenolongerexist.

(2) Theproceduresprescribedinsubsections(2),(3),(4)and(5)ofsection85apply,withanynecessarymodifications,totheamendmentofawaterprotectionareadeclarationundersubsection(1)(a).

PART15WATERRELATEDEMERGENCYORPOLLUTIONTHREATS

Emergency powers to limit right to abstract and use water

88. (1) The Minister may, by notice given in accordance withsubsection(2)-

(a) declare that a water shortage exists in a particular area or a waterresource if theMinister is of the opinion that the volume of wateravailableintheareaorthewaterresource-



(i) is or is likely to be inadequate tomeet the demand for anyreason;or

(ii) isadverselyaffecting,orislikelytoadverselyaffect,thequalityofthewaterintheareaorwaterresource;and

(b) restrictorprohibittheabstractionanduseofwaterfromawaterresourceintheareaoraparticularwaterresource.

(2) Anoticeundersubsection(1)mustbegivenbynotice-

(a) published inanewspaper circulating in thearea towhich thenoticerelates;or

(b) servedonanypersontowhichthenoticerelates.

(3) Inacaseofurgentnecessity,anoticeintermsofsubsection(2) maybegivenby radio, televisionor telephoneorby facsimile, e-mailorothermeansofelectroniccommunication,butafurthernoticemustthenbegiveninaccordancewiththatsubsectionassoonaspracticable.

Emergency powers to control pollution

89. (1) Inthissection“incident”meansaneventoroccurrencewhereanymaterialorsubstanceisdischarged,depositedorreleasedorleaksorescapesataplaceorincircumstanceswhich-

(a) causesorislikelytocauseawaterresourcetobepolluted;or

(b) has,orislikelytohaveanyotherdetrimentaleffectonawaterresource.

(2) Ifanincidentoccurs-

(a) theowneroroccupierorotherpersonincontrolofthelandwheretheincidentoccurs;and

(b) the person in control of the material or substance involved in theincident,ifnotthepersonreferredtoinparagraph(a),

mustassoonaspracticableaftertheincidentoccursreporttheincidenttotheMinister,amemberoftheNamibianPolice,amemberoftheemergencyservicesofthenearestlocalauthorityortherelevantbasinmanagementcommittee.

(3) The owner or occupier or other person in control of landwhere anincidentoccurs,must-

(a) takeallreasonablemeasures-

(i) tocontainandminimisetheeffectsoftheincident;and

(ii) tocleanuppollutedareasandremedytheeffectsoftheincident;and



(b) take anymeasures theMinister directs the person inwriting to takein relation to the incidentwithin the time specified by theMinister,includingmeasurestheMinistermaydirectonadviceoftherelevantbasinmanagementcommittee.

(4) Ifapersonresponsibletotakeanymeasureundersubsection(3),oradirectivegivenunderthatsubsection,failstotaketherequiredactiontheMinistermayauthoriseapersontoenteronthelandandtaketherequiredaction.

(5) Any reasonable costs incurred in taking measures referred to insubsection(4)constituteadebtduebytheresponsiblepersontotheState.

(6) Iftwoormorepersonsareliableintermsofsubsection(5)toreimbursetheStateforthecostsreferredtointhatsubsection,theMinistermay,attherequestofanyofthepersonsconcerned,andaftergivingtheotheranopportunitytobeheard,apportionthecoststobepaidbyeachpersonastheMinisterconsidersjustandreasonable,butsuchapportionmentdoesnotrelieveanyofthemoftheirjointandseveralliabilityforthefullamountofthecosts.

PART16WATERSERVICESPLANSANDEFFICIENTWATER

MANAGEMENTPRACTICES

Water service plans and water conservation and water demand management strategies

90. (1) The Minister may by regulation require water servicesproviders and bulkwater users, as defined in the regulations, to develop and adoptwater services plans, including water conservation and water demand managementstrategies,inaccordancewithproceduresandcriteriasetoutintheregulationsandtobesubmittedtotheMinisterandtheWaterRegulatorintheprescribedmannerandwithintheprescribedtime.

(2) Forthepurposeofprescribingrequirementsreferredtoinsubsection(1),theMinistermayconsultwithwaterservicesprovidersandinstitutionsorundertakingsinthewaterindustryandwaterusershavinganinterest.

Implementation of efficient water management practices

91. (1) TheMinistermay-

(a) afterconsultationwith theWaterRegulator,prescribecriteria for thesetting of operational targets and performance indicators for waterservicesprovidersandotherwatersuppliersandbulkwaterusers;

(b) causeperiodicinspectionstobecarriedouttoreviewandinvestigatetheefficiencyofawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulk water user in complying with its water services plan or waterconservationanddemandmanagementpractices;

(c) directanywaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwateruser to implement specified water management practices within aspecifiedperiodforpurposesofwatermanagementefficiency.



(2) Ifawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwateruserfails to complywith a directive given under subsection (1)(c), theMinistermay bywrittennoticerequirethewaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwaterusertotakeanymeasuresspecifiedinthenoticewithinaspecifiedtime,notexceeding60days,inordertocomplywiththatdirective.

(3) Ifawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwateruserfailstocomplywiththerequirementofanoticereferredtoinsubsection(2),theMinistermay,subjecttosubsection(4)-

(a) cancelorsuspend the licenceof thewaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwateruser;or

(b) if the bulkwater user is not the holder of a licence under thisAct,restrictthewatersupplytothewateruserforpurposesofdomesticuseonly.

(4) TheMinistermaynotexerciseapowerconferredbysubsection (3),unless theMinister has givenwritten notice to thewater services provider or otherwatersupplierorbulkwateruseroftheMinister’sintentiontoexercisesuchpowerandinvitedthewaterserviceproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwaterusertoshowcause,within30daysofreceiptoftheMinister’snotice,whytheMinistershouldnotexercisesuchpower.

PART17DAMS,DAMSAFETYANDFLOODMANAGEMENT

Obstruction of a watercourse

92. (1) Apersonmaynot engage in anyconstructionworkorotheractivity that causes, or is likely to cause, thenaturalflowconditionsofwater in, toor from awatercourse to bemodified, unless theMinister has granted priorwrittenapprovalfortheworkoractivitytobecarriedout.

(2) TheMinistermay-

(a) bynoticeinwriting,requireanypersonwhoisresponsibleforcarryingout any work or activity referred to in subsection (1) without theMinister’spriorapproval,totakeanyreasonablemeasuresnecessarytoremoveanystructureorthingresultingfromsuchworkoractivitythatcauses,orislikelytocause,amodificationofnaturalflowconditionsmentionedinthatsubsection,ortotakeanyothermeasuresapprovedbytheMinistertominimizetheeffectsofsuchamodification;and

(b) ifthepersonrequiredtotakesuchmeasuresfailstocomplywiththerequirementsofthenotice,causethenecessarymeasurestobetakeninaccordancewiththoserequirementsandrecoverfromtheperson,thereasonablecostsincurredforthatpurposeasadebtduetotheState.

Requirements for construction of dams

93. (1) TheMinistermayprescribe-



(a) standards for the design, construction, maintenance, surveillance,operationandabandonmentofdams;and

(b) standardsforcarryingoutworksinconstructingadam.

(2) Thepowerconferredbysubsection(1)includesthepowertoincorporateinregulationstheprovisionsofanystandardpublication,oranypartthereof,byreferencetosuchstandardpublicationorpartthereofwithouttheneedtopublishtheprovisionsofsuchstandardpublicationintheGazette.

(3) Insubsection(2),“standardpublication”meansanycodeofpractice,standard specification or standard regulations published or issued by any body,organisation or authority established with the object of promoting standardisation,whether in Namibia or elsewhere, and which Namibia is authorised to apply byagreemententeredintowiththatbody,organisationorauthority.

(4) Ifadam,inrespectofwhichtheissueofalicencetoabstractwaterhasbeenmadeconditionaloncompletionofconstructionofthedam,isnotcompletedinaccordancewithanyrequirementsprescribedundersubsection(1)orasimposedbytheMinisterundersection46(4),theMinistermaybynoticeinwritingtotheownerofthedam-

(a) vary the licence as approved to the extent the Minister considersappropriate;or

(b) withdrawtheMinister’sapprovalfortheissueofthelicencetoabstractandrequire theownerof thedamto takesuchactionasspecified inthenoticewithinaspecifiedtime,includingtheemptying,breaching,modificationorremovalofthedamandrepairofthesiteofthedam.

(5) Ifapersonfailstocomplywithanyactionspecifiedinanoticeundersubsection (4)within the specified time, or such additional time as theMinister onapplicationmayapprove,theMinistermay-

(a) authoriseaperson toenteron the landand takeanyactionspecifiedinthenoticeandsuchotheractionasmaybenecessaryordesirabletomakegoodanydamagecausedbytheconstructionofthedam;and

(b) recoverfromtheperson,asadebtowingtotheState,thereasonableexpensesincurredinconnectionwithworkundertakentogiveeffecttotherequirementsofthenotice.

Dams with safety risk

94. ForthepurposesofthisAct,adamistakentobeadamwithasafetyriskifitis-

(a) adambelongingtoacategoryofdamswhichtheMinister,bynoticeintheGazette,hasdescribedanddeclaredtobedamswithasafetyrisk;or

(b) adamwhichtheMinister,bywrittennoticetotheownerofthedam,hasdeclaredtobeadamwithasafetyrisk.



Obligations of owner of dam

95. (1) Anownerofadammust-(a) uponawritten requestof theMinister,andwithina reasonable time

specified in the request, provide theMinister with any information,drawings,specifications,designassumptions,calculations,documentsortestresultsinrelationtothedamasmaybespecifiedintherequest;and

(b) give access to the dam to any person authorised by theMinister inwritingtoinspectanddetermine-

(i) anymatterrelatingtothesafetyofthedam;

(ii) whetherthedamoughttobedeclaredtobeadamwithasafetyrisk;

(iii) whethertheconditionofthedamrequiresanydirectivetobegiventotheownerofthedamastoanyworktobeundertakenforthemaintenance,repairoralterationofthedam;or

(iv) whether the requirementsof thisActhavebeenorarebeingcompliedwithinrelationtothedam.

(2) TheMinistermay,bywrittennoticetotheownerofadamwithasafetyrisk,directtheowner-

(a) toobtainandsubmit to theMinister,at theowner’scost,andwithina reasonable time specified in the notice, a report by a professionalengineerregardingthesafetyconditionofthedam;or

(b) toundertake,attheowner’scost,andwithinareasonabletimespecifiedinthenotice,anyworkforthe,maintenance,repairoralterationofthedamasspecified in thenotice that is reasonablyrequired inorder toensurethesafetyofthedam.

(3) Iftheownerofadamwithasafetyrisktowhomadirectiveisgivenundersubsection(2)failstocomplywiththedirective-

(a) underparagraph(a)ofthatsubsection,theMinistermayappointanyprofessional engineer to carry out an investigation and report to theMinisteronthesafetyconditionofthedam;or

(b) under paragraph (b) of that subsection, theMinister may cause theworkspecifiedinthenotice,tobecarriedoutinaccordancewiththedirective,

andtheMinistermayrecoverthereasonablecostincurredinsodoingfromtheownerofthedamasadebtduetotheState.

(4) Beforegivingadirectiveundersubsection(3)(b),theMinistermust-



(a) besatisfiedthattheworkforthemaintenance,repairoralterationofthedamthatisrequiredtobecarriedoutinrespectofthedamisnecessary,adequate,effectiveandappropriatetoreducetherisktoanacceptablelevel;and

(b) considertheimpactonpublicsafety,property,theresourcequalityandsocio-economicaspects,shouldthedamfail.

Responsibilities of professional engineer 96. (1) When carrying out an investigation in terms of this Part, aprofessionalengineerhasadutyofcaretowardstheStateandthegeneralpublic.

(2) Aprofessionalengineerappointedtocarryoutanyworkinrelationtoadammust-

(a) ensure that the work is carried out according to acceptable damengineeringpractices;

(b) keeptheprescribedrecords;

(c) compiletheprescribedreports;

(d) where the work includes constructing, altering or repairing a dam,issueacompletioncertificatetotheownerofthedamtotheeffectthattheworkonthatdamhasbeencarriedoutaccordingtotheapplicabledesign,drawingsandspecifications;and

(e) providetheMinisterwithacopyofthecompletioncertificatereferredtoinparagraph(d),within30daysofissuingthecertificate.

(3) Aprofessionalengineerwhocarriesoutadamsafetyevaluationmust-

(a) ascertainwhetherthesafetynormspertainingtothedesign,construction,monitoring,operation,performanceandmaintenanceofthedamsafetyconformtoacceptabledamengineeringpractices;and

(b) compile,dateandsignareportonthematterssetoutinparagraph(a),inaccordancewiththeprescribedrequirements,andsubmitthesignedreporttotheownerofthedamwithintheprescribedperiod.

Registration of dam with safety risk

97. (1) TheMinistermustkeeparegisterofdamswithasafetyrisk,insuchformastheMinisterdetermines.

(2) TheownerofadamwithasafetyriskmustregisterthatdamwiththeMinisterintheprescribedmanner.

(3) Anapplicationforregistrationmustbemadewithin120daysafterthedateonwhichadeclarationofthedamasadamwithasafetyriskbecomesofeffectbyvirtueofanoticeundersection94(a)or(b),asthecasemaybe.



(4) A successor-in-title to an owner of a dam with a safety risk mustforthwithinformtheMinisterinwritingoftherelevantdetailsofthesuccession,andtheMinistermustcausethedetailstoberecordedintheregister.

Considerations in declaring dams to be dams with safety risk

98. Inconsideringadeclarationofdamstobedamswithasafetyriskinaccordancewithsubsection94,theMinistermusttakeintoaccount-

(a) theneedtoprotectthepublic,propertyandtheresourcequalityagainstthepotentialhazardposedbythedamorcategoryofdams;

(b) theextentofpotentiallossorharminvolved;

(c) thecostofanyprescribedmeasuresandwhethertheyarereasonablyachievable;

(d) thesocio-economicimpactthatmayresultifthedamfails;and

(e) inthecaseofaparticulardam,also-

(i) themannerinwhichthedamisdesigned,constructed,altered,repaired,operated,inspected,maintainedorabandoned;

(ii) thepersonbywhomthedamisdesigned,constructed,altered,repaired,operated,inspected,maintainedorabandoned;and

(iii) themannerinwhichwateriscontained,storedorimpoundedinthedam.

Exemption of owners of certain categories of dams

99. (1) TheMinistermayexempt-

(a) by notice in theGazette, owners of dams belonging to a specifiedcategory;or

(b) inwriting,anownerofaspecificdam,

fromcomplyingwithaprovisionofthisPart,oraregulationinforceinrelationtothisPart,onconditionsdeterminedandspecifiedbytheMinister.

(2) The Minister may, in the manner an exemption was made undersubsection(1),withdrawtheexemptionorimposefurtherornewconditionsinrespectoftheexemption.

(3) Beforedecidingonanexemption,theMinistermustconsider-

(a) thedegreeof riskorpotential riskposedby thedamor categoryofdamstopublicsafety,propertyandtheresourcequality;

(b) themannerofdesign,construction,alteration,repair,impoundmentofwaterin,operationorabandonmentofthedamorcategoryofdams;



(c) theextentandnatureofsupervisioncarriedoutinrespectofthedamorcategoryofdams;

(d) alternativemeasuresproposedforregulatingthedesign,construction,alteration, repair, operation, maintenance, impoundment of water,inspection or abandonment of the damor category of dams and theeffectivenessofthosemeasures;

(e) theknowledgeandexpertiseofpersonsinvolvedinanyworkrelatingtothedamorcategoryofdams;

(f) thecostsrelatingtothedamorcategoryofdams;

(g) anysecurityprovidedorintendedtobeprovidedforanydamagewhichcouldbecausedbythedamorcategoryofdams;and

(h) whetherthedamorcategoryofdamsispermittedintermsofalicenceoranyotherauthorizationissuedbyorunderanyotherlaw.

Prevention of flood risk

100. (1) Forthepurposeofpreventingorminimizingtheriskoffloodingorflooddamage,theMinistermay-

(a) bywrittennotice to theowner of any structure causing, or likely tocause,anobstructiontotherunoffoffloodwater,direct theownertoremovetheobstructionwithinaperiodspecifiedinthenotice,andiftheownerfailstocomplywiththenotice,theMinistermaycausetheobstruction to be removed and recover the reasonable cost from theownerasadebtduetotheState;

(b) bynoticeinwritinggivenspecificallytoanyperson,orbyregulation,prohibittheconstructiononsubmersiblelandsofdykes,leveesorotherstructures likely to hinder the runoff of floodwater, or authorize theconstructionofsuchstructuresiftheyarenecessaryfortheprotectionofexistingresidencesorotherprivatestructures;

(c) alter or demolish dykes, embankments, levees, structures or otherworks, irrespectiveof their legalstatusandrecover,asadebtduetotheState,thereasonablecostincurredinsodoingfromtheownerofthestructureif,intheMinister’sopinion,theyhinderwaterrunofforextendthefloodplainwithharmfulresults;

(d) bynoticeinwritinggivenspecificallytoanyperson,orbyregulation,prohibitthegrowingofcrops,thebuildingofstructuresortheplacingofdepositsonlandlocatedbetweenawatercourseandanyprotectivedykes,embankmentsorlevees;

(e) consultwithanyregionalcouncilorlocalauthorityindeterminingthegeographic extent offloodplain areas in its regionor local authorityarea,asthecasemaybe,andassistanysuchcouncilsinregulatingthedevelopmentanduseoflandwithinafloodplainarea;or



(f) prescribemeasuresforthecontrolandmanagementofstormandfloodriskwithinlocalauthorityareas.

(2) For purposes of this section, reference to “owner of the structure”,includesanypersonwhoisengagedintheconstructionofthestructure.

PART18CONTROLOFACTIVITIESAFFECTINGWETLANDS,WATER

RESOURCESANDRESOURCEQUALITY

Control of use of wetland resources

101. Forthepurposeoftheprotectionandenhancementofwaterresourcequality andwetland aquatic ecosystems, theMinistermay by regulation prohibit orregulate theuseof anywetlandordam for specifiedpurposesor the carryingonofspecified activities within any wetland or dam, except under authority of a licenceissued,andinaccordancewithlicenceconditionsasprescribed,including-

(a) thecommercialrecreationaluseofwetlandresources;

(b) developmentonthebanksofanywetlandordam;and

(c) the removal of rocks, sand or gravel or any other material from awatercourse.

Control of aquatic invasive species

102. (1) The Minister may prescribe requirements and measures,includingprohibitions,fortheimportation,useorcontrolofaquaticinvasivespecies,so as to reduce theirnegative impactonwater resourcequality andwetlandaquaticecosystems.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may declare certain species to bealieninvasivespeciesandimposemeasures-

(a) fortheeradicationorcontrolofaspeciessolisted;or

(b) forregulatingorprohibiting,theimportation,transportorspreadingofaspeciessolisted.

Protection of riparian zones

103. TheMinistermayprescriberequirementsandmeasuresfor-

(a) theremovaloruseofriparianspecies,soastoprotectwaterresourcesorwaterresourcequality;

(b) the protection of any riparian species if considered of national orstrategicimportanceorifitformspartofwetlandresources.



PART19WATERSERVICESPROVIDEDBYSTATE

Recovery of fees and charges for water services provided by the State

104. (1) The Minister may prescribe tariffs of fees and charges, inaccordancewithadeterminationbytheWaterRegulator,andtheconditionsapplicableinrespectofwaterservicesprovidedbytheStatetousersofwatercontrolledbytheStateandforthedischargeofeffluentorwastewaterorthedepositofwasteinafacilityoratasitecontrolledoroperatedbytheState.

(2) Feesandchargesreferredtoinsubsection(1)owingtotheState-

(a) arerecoverableasadebtduetotheState;and

(b) bearinterestonanyamountthatremainsunpaidaftertheduedateattheratedeterminedbytheMinisterresponsibleforfinanceunderthelawsrelatingtoStatefinancesinrespectsofdebtsowingtotheState.

(3) TheMinistermayprescribeapenaltyfeetobeleviedandrecoveredagainstauserwhoisindefaultwiththepaymentoffeesandchargesowingtotheStateinrespectofservicesreferredtoinsubsection(1).

(4) Conditions prescribed under subsection (1), may include conditionsrelatingtotherestrictionorsuspensionofthesupplyofwatertoauserwhoisindefaultwith the payment of any fees or charges and the payment of a reconnection fee forrestorationofthesupply.

Charge on land

105. (1) Fees and charges under this Part, including any interest orpenalty,andanycostawardedbyacourtinproceedingsfortherecoveryofsuchfeesandcharges,areachargeonthelandon,orinrespectofwhichtherelevantserviceshavebeenprovidedandmayberecoveredfromthecurrentownerwithoutreleasinganyotherpersonwhomaybeliableforthefeesandcharges.

(2) Uponawrittenapplicationbyanyperson,theMinistermustcausetobeissued,within30daysoftheapplication,acertificateastotheamount,ifany,dueinrespectoffeesandchargesforservicesleviedinrespectofanyland.

(3) Achargecreatedbysubsection(1)expiresifthecertificateisnotissuedwithintheperiodof30daysreferredtoinsubsection(2).

PART20SERVITUDES

Definitions for this Part

106. InthisPart-

(a) “servitudeofabutment”meanstherighttooccupythebedorbanksofastream,oradjacentlandbelongingtoanotherperson,bymeansofawaterwork;



(b) “servitudeofaqueduct”meanstheright tooccupylandbelongingtoanother person bymeans of a waterwork for abstracting or leadingwaterordischargingeffluents;and

(c) “servitudeofsubmersion”meanstherighttooccupylandbelongingtoanotherpersonbysubmergingitunderwater.

Acquisition of servitude

107. (1) TheholderofalicenceissuedunderthisActtoabstractandusewaterordischargewastewateroreffluentmayclaim,inaccordancewithsection108,andtotheextentnecessarytogiveeffecttothatlicence-

(a) aservitudeofabutment,aqueductorsubmersion;or

(b) an amendment to an existing servitude of abutment, aqueduct orsubmersion.

(2) Aservitudeclaimedundersubsection(1)(a)maybe-

(a) apersonalservitudeinfavouroftheclaimant;or

(b) apraedialservitudeinfavouroftheclaimantintheclaimant’scapacityasowneroflandonwhichtheclaimantmayusethewater.

(3) Aservitudereferredtoinsubsection(1)mayalsobeclaimedinrespectofanexistingwaterwork.

Procedure for acquisition or amendment of servitude

108. (1) Aservitudemaybeacquiredoramendedby-

(a) anagreementnegotiatedandconcludedbetweenthepersonclaimingthe servitude and the owner of the land overwhich the servitude isclaimed;or

(b) anorderoftheHighCourtawardingtheservitudetotheclaimantoverthelandinrespectofwhichitisclaimed.

(2) Apersonclaimingaservitudeoranamendmentofaservitudemay,onreasonablenoticetotheownerofthelandoverwhichtheservitudeisclaimedorexists,asthecasemaybe,enterthelandinorderto-

(a) makeanyinvestigation;or

(b) undertakeanyoperation,

onthelandtotheextentreasonablynecessaryfordetermininganythingrelatingtothenatureandextentoftheservitudeoranamendmenttotheservitude.

(3) Apersonwhocausesanydamagetothelandduringaninvestigationoroperationintermsofsubsection(2),must-



(a) repair,asfarasisreasonablypossible,thedamageattheperson’sowncost;or

(b) compensatethelandownerintheamountagreedbetweenthepartiesorasdeterminedbyacompetentcourt.

(4) Anownerofthelandsubjecttoaservitude,oroverwhichaservitudeisclaimed,mayclaimtoshareintheuseofthewaterworktowhichtheservitudeorproposedservituderelatesif-

(a) theownerisauthorizedtousewaterfromaspecificwaterresource;

(b) theuseof thewaterwork iscompatiblewith theowner’s licensedorpermittedwateruse;and

(c) theowneragreestoberesponsibleforaproportionateshareofthecostsofconstructing,repairingandmaintainingthewaterwork.

(5) Ashareintheuseofawaterworkclaimedundersubsection(4)maybeacquired-

(a) byanagreementbetweentheparties;or

(b) byanorderoftheHighCourtintermsofsection110.

Rights and duties of servitude holders and landowners

109. (1) Aholderofaservitudehasarightofaccesstothelandwhichissubjecttotheservitude-

(a) for the purpose of constructing, altering, replacing, inspecting,maintaining,repairingoroperatingawaterworknecessarytoexercisearightundertheservitude;or

(b) foranypurposenecessaryfortheeffectiveenjoymentoftheservitude.

(2) Subject to compliance with the requirements of any other law, theholderofaservitudemay,inareasonablemanner-

(a) takefromthelandsubject to theservitudeanymaterialorsubstancereasonably required forconstructing,altering, replacing,maintainingorrepairingawaterworkorpartofawaterworkinrespectofwhichtheservitudehasbeenacquired;

(b) removeandusevegetationoranyotherobstaclewhichisonthelandsubject to the servitude and which is detrimental to the reasonableenjoymentoftheservitude;

(c) depositonthelandsubjecttotheservitudeanymaterialorsubstanceexcavatedorremovedfromthewaterworkinthereasonableexerciseoftheservitude;



(d) duringtheperiodofconstructionofthewaterworkinrespectofwhichtheservitudehasbeenacquired,occupyasmuchofthelandsubjecttotheservitudeasmayreasonablyberequiredfor-

(i) constructingcampsorroads;

(ii) constructinghouses,reservoirsorotherbuildingsorstructures;or

(iii) installing machinery or equipment, necessary for theconstructionofthewaterwork;

(e) occupy,forthedurationoftheservitude,asmuchofthelandsubjecttotheservitudeasisreasonablyrequiredfor-

(i) accommodatingpeople;

(ii) workshops;or

(iii) storagepurposes,

totheextentnecessaryforthecontrol,operationandmaintenanceoftherelevantwaterwork.

(3) Uponawrittenrequestbytheownerofthelandwhichissubjecttoaservitude,theholderoftheservitudemust,athisorherowncost-

(a) maintaintheservitudearea;

(b) repairandmaintainanywaterworkrelatingtotheservitude;and

(c) repairandmaintainaccessroadsassociatedwiththeservitude.

(4) Iftheholderofaservitudefailstocarryoutworkreasonablyrequestedundersubsection(3),theownerofthelandmayarrangeforthenecessaryworktobedoneandmayrecoverthereasonablecostincurredfromtheholderoftheservitude.

(5) Onterminationofaservitude,theholderoftheservitudemustrestore,attheholder’sownexpense,anyphysicaldamagetothelandcausedbyanyactivitycarriedonundertheservitude,asfarasisreasonablypossible.

Powers of Court in respect of claim for servitude

110. On hearing a claim for a servitude or an amendment to a servitudeunderthisPart,theHighCourtmay-

(a) awardtheclaim,withorwithoutmodifications,andsubjecttoconditionstheCourtthinksfit;

(b) awardorrefusetoawardcompensation;

(c) determinewhetheraproportionateamountofcompensationshouldbepaidtotheholderofarightoflease,mortgage,usufructorsimilarright



overthelandinrespectoftheawardoftheservitude,andorderthattheamountofcompensationbepaid;or

(d) dismisstheclaim.

Compensation payable for grant of servitude

111. (1) In determining the amount of compensation payable for thegrantofaservitudeorfortheamendmentofaservitude,theHighCourtmusttakeintoaccountallrelevantfactors,including-

(a) the nature of the servitude or amendment, including the nature andfunctionofthewaterworkrequired;

(b) whether an existing waterwork will be used to give effect to theservitudeoramendment;

(c) theprobabledurationoftheservitude;

(d) theextentofanylossordeprivationofuseofthelandlikelytoresultfromthegrantoftheservitudeoramendment;

(e) therentalvalueofthelandaffectedbytheservitudeoramendment;

(f) thenatureandextentoftheactualinconvenienceorlosslikelytoresultfromtheexerciseofrightsundertheservitudeoramendedservitude;

(g) theextenttowhichthelandcanreasonablyberestoredonterminationoftheservitude;

(h) anyadvantagethelandowner,orapersonwithaninterestinthelandsubjecttotheservitudeislikelytoderiveasaresultoftheservitudeoramendment;and

(i) thepublicinterestservedbythewaterworkrelatingtotheservitudeoramendment.

(2) TheHighCourtmaydetermine the time andmanner of payment ofcompensation.

Noting of servitude and amendment by endorsement against title deed

112. (1) Theacquisition,amendmentorcancellationofaservitudebyvirtueofanorderoftheHighCourttakeseffectwhentheorderisnotedintermsoftheDeedsRegistriesAct,1947(ActNo.37of1947)ortheRegistrationofDeedsinRehobothAct,1976(ActNo.93of1976).

(2) Nothing in this section prevents a person from registering theacquisition, amendmentor cancellationof a servitude in accordancewith theDeedsRegistriesAct,1947.



Cancellation of servitude

113. An owner of land subject to a servitude of abutment, aqueduct orsubmersionmayapplytotheHighCourtforthecancellationoftheservitude-

(a) ifthelicenceassociatedwiththeservitudeiscancelled;

(b) iftherightsandobligationsinrespectoftheservitudehavenotbeenexercisedonthelandforacontinuousperiodofthreeyears;or

(c) foranyothervalidreason.

Joint waterwork involving servitude

114. Twoormoreholdersoflicencestoabstractandusewaterortodischargeeffluent,may,inordertogiveeffecttotheirlicences-

(a) constructajointwaterwork;and

(b) jointlyclaimandcreateaservitudeassociatedwiththatwaterwork.

Ownership of State waterwork on land belonging to another

115. (1) TheownershipofanyStatewaterworkplacedingoodfaithonlandbelongingtoanotherremainsvestedintheState,andtheMinistermay-

(a) removethewaterworkfromthatland;or

(b) transferarightheldinrespectofanimprovementonthelandtoanyperson.

(2) Ifawaterworkisremovedfromlandundersubsection(1)(a),theowneroftheland-

(a) mayrequiretheMinistertorestore,asfarasreasonablypossible,anyphysicaldamagetothelandcausedbytheremoval;and

(b) hasnootherclaimagainsttheMinisterconcerned,apartfromtheclaimreferredtoinparagraph(a).

(3) TherightoftheStateinrespectofanimprovementonlandnotownedbytheStatemaybetransferredtoanyperson.

Transfer of personal servitude

116. (1) Despite anything to the contrary in any law contained, apersonalservitude,whetherregisteredornot,heldbytheStatemaybetransferredfromtheStatetoanybodyorinstitutionestablishedbyorunderanylawforthepurposeofperformingfunctionsprovidedforinthatlawandbeingcapableofholdingimmovablepropertyorarightinimmovableproperty.

(2) The Registrar of Deeds must register a notarially executed deed ofcessiontotransferaregisteredpersonalservitudereferredtoinsubsection(1).



PART21WATERTRIBUNALANDAPPEALS

Establishment of Water Tribunal

117. (1) An appeal body, to be known as the Water Tribunal, isestablishedtohearanddecideappealsinmattersreferredtoinsection120.

(2) ThemembersoftheWaterTribunalconsistof-

(a) achairperson,appointedbytheMinisterwiththeconcurrenceof theJudgePresidentoftheHighCourt,whomustbeapersonqualifiedinlawwithatleast10yearsexperienceinthepracticeoflaw;and

(b) suchotherpersons,notexceedingsix,astheMinistermayselectandappoint from personswith knowledge or experience in engineering,waterresourcesmanagementandfieldsrelevanttotheobjectiveofthisAct.

(3) TheMinistermustappointoneofthemembersreferredtoinsubsection(2)(b)tobethedeputychairpersonoftheWaterTribunal.

(4) AmemberoftheWaterTribunalisappointedforaperiodoffiveyearsandiseligibleforre-appointmentfromtimetotime.

(5) Theofficeofamemberof theWaterTribunalbecomesvacant if themember-

(a) resignstheofficebygivingtheMinisteratleast30days’writtennoticeofresignation;

(b) isconvictedofanoffenceandsentencedtoimprisonmentwithouttheoptionofafine;

(c) isdeclaredinsolvent;or

(d) isremovedfromofficeundersubsection(6).

(6) TheMinistermay,bynoticeinwriting,terminatetheappointmentofamemberiftheMinister,aftergivingthememberanopportunitytomakerepresentations,issatisfiedthatthemember-

(a) is mentally or physically incapable of performing satisfactorily thedutiesofhisorheroffice;or

(b) isguiltyofconductthatrendershimorherunfittoserveasamemberoftheWaterTribunal.

(7) A member of theWater Tribunal who is not in the service of theStatemust be paid the allowances, including subsistence and travel allowances andsittingallowances,astheMinistermaydeterminewiththeconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance.



Administrative functions and financing

118. (1) The Permanent Secretary must designate staff members oftheMinistrytoperformtheadministrativeworkrelatingtothefunctionsoftheWaterTribunal.

(2) Expenditure relating to the functions of theWaterTribunalmust bedefrayedfrommoneyappropriatedbyParliamentforthepurpose.

Conduct of hearing by Water Tribunal

119. (1) After considering the appropriate field of knowledge fordetermininganappeal,thechairpersonoftheWaterTribunalmaydecidethattheappealbedeterminedatasittingofallthemembersoftheWaterTribunalorofsuchmembers,butnotfewerthan3,asthechairpersonmaydesignatetodeterminetheappeal.

(2) ThechairpersonoftheWaterTribunal,afterconsultationwiththepartiesinvolved in theappealwhoarepresentor represented,maydetermine theproceduretobefollowedforthedeterminationoftheappeal,whichmayincludedeterminationexclusivelybymeansofwrittensubmissionsbyinterestedpartiesorbythehearingofevidence.

(3) Inanappealbyhearingofevidence, theWaterTribunalmay, in theprescribedmanner,eitherattheWaterTribunal’sinitiativeorattherequestofapartyinvolvedintheappeal-

(a) subpoena for questioning any person who may be able to giveinformationrelevanttoanyissuebeforeit;or

(b) subpoena anypersonwho is believed to be in possessionor controlofanybook,documentorobjectrelevanttoanysuchissue,toappearbeforeitandtoproducesuchbook,documentorobject.

(4) Thelawrelatingtoprivilege,asitappliestoawitnesssubpoenaedtogiveevidenceortoproduceabook,documentorobjectbeforeacourtoflaw,appliesinrelationtothequestioningofapersonortheproductionofabook,documentorobjectintermsofthissection.

(5) Apartyatwhoserequestasubpoenaisissuedmustpaywitnessfees,travelandsubsistenceallowancestoapersonsubpoenaedtoappearbeforetheWaterTribunal,atthescaleapplicableinrespectofwitnessesinacivilcaseinamagistrate’scourt.

(6) ThepersonpresidingatahearingoftheWaterTribunalmayadministeran oath or accept an affirmation fromanyperson appearing as awitness before theWaterTribunal.

(7) AmajoritydecisionofthemembershearinganappealconstitutesthedecisionoftheWaterTribunal,andintheeventthatanequalityofvotesonadecisionisreached,thechairpersonordeputychairperson,presidingovertheWaterTribunalhasacastingvoteinadditiontohisorherdeliberativevote.



(8) TheWaterTribunaloramemberoftheWaterTribunalisnotliableforanactoromissioncommittedingoodfaithwhileperformingafunctionunderthisAct.

(9) Apersonwhowilfully-

(a) obstructs,preventsorinanywayinterfereswith,orattemptstoobstruct,preventorinterferewith,theserviceofasummonsissuedbytheWaterTribunal;or

(b) dissuades,hindersorpreventsorattemptstodissuade,hinderorpreventanypersonlawfullysummonedtoappearasapartyorwitnessbeforetheWaterTribunal,fromsoappearing,

commitsanoffence.

(10) Apersonwho-

(a) havingbeensubpoenaedtoappearbeforetheWaterTribunal,withoutgoodcausefailstoattend;

(b) without good cause, fails to produce any book, document or objectspecifiedinasubpoena;

(c) havingappearedinresponsetoasubpoena,failstoremaininattendanceuntilexcusedbytheWaterTribunal;

(d) refusestotaketheoathor tomakeanaffirmationasawitnesswhenrequiredtodosobytheWaterTribunal;

(e) subjecttosubsection(4),refusestoansweranyquestionfullyandtothebestoftheperson’sknowledgeandbelief;

(f) duringproceedingsbeforetheWaterTribunal,behavesimproperlyorinsultsamemberoftheWaterTribunalorinterruptstheproceedings;or

(g) prejudices or improperly influences the proceedings of the WaterTribunal,

commitscontemptoftheWaterTribunal.

Appeal to Water Tribunal

120. (1) AnappealliestotheWaterTribunalagainstanyofthefollowingdecisionsbytheMinister-

(a) refusaltoissuealicence;

(b) issuingalicencetodischargeeffluentorconstructoroperateawatertreatment facility or a waste disposal site, if the appellant was anobjectortotheapplicationforthelicence;

(c) refusal to grant approval for the transfer of a licence to dischargeeffluentor construct or operate awater treatment facilityor awastedisposalsite;



(d) determiningthetermofalicence;

(e) imposingadiscretionaryconditiononalicence;

(f) refusaltorenewalicence;

(g) theamendmentofalicence;

(h) suspendingorcancellingalicence;

(i) orderingtheholderofadriller’slicencetopayapenaltyundersection67(8)(c);

(j) givingadirectivetoanypersonofmeasurestobetakenasspecifiedinthedirective;

(k) adecisionoractiontaken,oraprohibitionimposedbynotice,undersection100;

(l) torecoverexpensesincurredintakingmeasureswhichapersonfailedtotakeinaccordancewithadirectivegiven.

(2) Anappealmustbelodgednotmorethan30daysafterthedecisionwasmade.

(3) Theproceduresforlodging,hearinganddetermininganappealareasprescribed.

(4) Apartytoanappealmayberepresentedbyanypersonasthepartymaydecidetoappoint.

(5) The person presiding at proceedings in an appeal before theWaterTribunalmustcauseminutestobekeptcontainingasummaryoftheproceedings.

Mediation of disputes

121. (1) IfadisputearisesbetweentwoormorepersonsorbetweenanypersonandtheMinister,theMinistermay,ontheMinister’sinitiativeorattherequestofanypartytothedispute,directthatthedisputebedealtwithbywayofmediationinvolvinganindependentmediator.

(2) Adirectiveundersubsection(1)mustspecifytheperiodwithinwhichthemediationprocessmustcommence,andrequestthepartiestoselectbyagreementanindependentmediatoranddeterminetheplaceandtimeofthemediationproceedings.

(3) Ifthepartiesfailtoselectamediator,theMinister,byagreementwiththeparties,mayappointthemediator,whomaybeastaffmemberoftheMinistry,iftheMinisterisnotapartytothedispute.

(4) The parties, by agreement, may at any time during the course ofmediationproceedingsappointanotherpersontoactasmediator.



(5) Thecontentsofdiscussionsandsubmissionsmadeduringthemediationproceedingsareprivilegedandmaynotbeusedinevidenceinanycourtoflaw,unlessthepartiesagreeotherwise.

(6) Thefeesandexpensesofamediatormustbepaidbythepartiestothedispute.

PART22GENERALPROVISIONS

Appointment of authorised persons

122. (1) TheMinistermayappoint,inwriting-

(a) staffmembersoftheMinistry;and

(b) otherpersonsemployedintheserviceofastatutorybodyorinstitution,

astheMinisterconsidersnecessarytobeauthorisedpersonsforthepurposesofthisAct.

(2) Beforeappointinganemployeeofastatutorybodyoraninstitutionasanauthorisedperson,theMinistermustconsultandnegotiatewiththerelevantemployertoobtainconsentfor,andagreeupontheconditionsof,theappointment.

(3) Anappointmentofanauthorisedpersonmaybemade-

(a) foralimitedtermstatedintheletterofappointment;and

(b) subjecttoconditionslimitingtheareawithinwhich,orthepurposesforwhich,thepersonappointedmayexercisethepowersofanauthorisedperson.

(4) TheMinistermustprovideanauthorisedpersonwithanidentitycardwhichmuststipulate-

(a) the termof appointmentof the authorisedperson, if appointed for alimitedterm;and

(b) any conditions imposed under subsection (3)(b) in respect of theauthorisedperson’sappointment.

(5) Anauthorisedperson,ifsorequiredbyapersonwhomaybeaffectedbytheexerciseoftheofficer’spowersunderthisAct,mustproducehisorheridentitycard for inspection by that person and, if the authorised person fails to produce theidentitycardwhensorequired,thepersonisnotobligedtocomplywitharequirementoftheauthorisedperson.

Powers of authorised persons

123. (1) Anauthorisedpersonhasarightofentryon,inandoveranylandandpremisesinaccordancewiththissectionand,intheexerciseofpowersunderthissection,theauthorisedpersonmay-



(a) be accompanied by such other persons as the authorised personreasonablyrequiresforthepurpose;and

(b) takeontothelandorpremisesanyvehicle,plant,machinery,equipmentandmaterialsreasonablyrequiredforperformingafunctionunderthisAct.

(2) Anauthorisedpersonmay,atanyreasonabletimeandwithoutnotice,enteranylandorpremiseswhereactivitiesundera licenceissuedunder thisActarecarriedonforthepurposeof-

(a) inspecting any waterwork or the use of water or the discharge ofwastewatereffluentorwaste;or

(b) ascertainingwhetherthisActortheconditionsofthelicencearebeingcompliedwith.

(3) Anauthorisedpersonmay,aftergivingatleastthreeday’snoticetotheowneroroccupierofanylandorpremises,enterthelandorpremisesforthepurposeof-

(a) establishingthesuitabilityofawaterresourceorsiteforconstructingawaterwork;

(b) constructing,maintainingorremovingawaterworkorcarryingoutanymodificationoradditiontoawaterwork;

(c) establishinghydrographic stationsand installingother structuresandequipmentformonitoringandrecordinginformationandstatistics inrelationtoawaterresource;

(d) undertakinganyworknecessary forcleaning,clearing, stabilisingorrepairingawaterresourceandprotectingtheresourcequality;

(e) carryingoutanysurvey,investigationorresearchinconnectionwithawaterworkforthesupplyofwaterorawaterresource.

(4) Anauthorisedpersonwhohasareasonablebeliefthatthereisorhasbeenon,orinconnectionwithanylandorpremises,anycontraventionofthisActmayenter the land or premises at any reasonable timewithout notice for the purpose ofascertainingwhetherinfactthereisorwasanysuchcontravention.

(5) An authorised person who enters any land or premises under thissectionmay-

(a) takemeasurementsorsamplesorconducttests;and

(b) makesurveys.

(6) Anauthorisedpersonmayusereasonableforcetoenteronanylandorabuildingorotherstructureontheland-



(a) underauthorityofawarrantissuedbyajudgeoftheHighCourtoramagistrateauthorisingsuchentry;or

(b) if the authorised person believes, on reasonable grounds, that thecircumstancesrequireimmediateactiontobetaken.

(7) AjudgeoftheHighCourt,oramagistratehavingjurisdictionintheareaconcerned,mayissueawarrantforthepurposesofsubsection(6)ifthejudgeormagistrateissatisfied,oninformationgivenonoathoraffirmation-

(a) thattherearereasonablegroundstosuspectthatanoffenceunderthisActhasbeen,isbeing,orisabouttobe,committed;and

(b) thatthewarrantisreasonablyrequiredinthecircumstances.

(8) Despiteanything in this section,anauthorisedpersonmaynotenteranypremisesorpartofpremisesusedasadwellingwithouttheconsentoftheoccupierorwithoutawarrantauthorisingentry.

(9) An owner or occupier of land is entitled to be paid reasonablecompensationbytheMinisterfordamagecausedtolandasaresultofanyconstructionworksperformedundersubsection(3).

Expropriation or temporary use of property

124. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),theMinistermay,inaccordancewiththelawsrelatingtotheexpropriationofproperty-

(a) expropriateanyproperty;

(b) usetemporarilyanyproperty;or

(c) in writing, authorize a statutory institution to use temporarily anyproperty,

foranypurposeconnectedwiththeexerciseofafunctionoftheMinisterunderthisAct,iftheexpropriationoruseofthepropertyisinthepublicinterest.

(2) Forpurposesofthepowersconferredbysubsection(1),aprovisionofthelawrelatingtoexpropriationofpropertyconferringapoweronanyotherMinister,isconstruedasbeingareferencetotheMinister.

Appointment of persons on contract

125. (1) DespitethePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995),theMinistermayappointoncontract,ontermsandconditionsdeterminedbytheMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance,anypersonforpurposesofaspecificprojectconnectedwithanyfunctionoftheMinisterunderthisAct.

(2) A person appointed under subsection (1) is not appointed as a staffmemberinthePublicServiceandmustberemuneratedfrommoneyappropriatedbyParliamentforthepurposeorfrommoneymadeavailablebywayofadonationorgrantfromanysourceandinaccordancewithanyconditionsspecifiedbythesource.



Financial assistance

126. (1) TheMinistermaygivefinancialassistanceto-

(a) any institution,organisation,bodyorpersonperformingfunctions inrelationto-

(i) thedevelopmentorprotectionofawaterresource;or

(ii) themaintenanceoroperationofawaterwork;or

(b) anypersonforapurposeinfurtheranceoftheobjectiveofthisAct.

(2) Financialassistanceundersubsection(1)-

(a) mustbepaidfrommoneyappropriatedbyParliamentforthepurpose;

(b) maybegivenintheformofagrant,loanorsubsidy,subjecttoconditionsasprescribedorasimposedbytheMinisterinwriting.

(3) Indecidingwhethertogivefinancialassistance,theMinistermusttakeintoaccountallrelevantconsiderations,including-

(a) theneedforequity;

(b) theneedfortransparency;

(c) the need for redressing the effects of past racial and genderdiscrimination;and

(d) thefinancialsituationoftheproposedrecipient.

Offences

127. (1) Apersoncommitsanoffenceifsuchperson-

(a) abstractsandusesordisposesofwaterotherwisethaninaccordancewithalicenceunderthisActoraspermittedbythisAct;

(b) constructs or uses a waterwork for the discharge or disposal ofwastewater,effluentorwasteotherwisethan-

(i) inaccordancewithalicenceunderthisActthatauthorisestheconstructionoruseofthatwork;or

(ii) aspermittedbythisAct;

(c) fails to complywith awrittendirectivegivenby theMinister undersection68(3),89(3)(b),95(2)or100(a);

(d) contravenesorfailstocomplywithsection62(1)(a),63,64(5),65(2),67(1),92(1)or95(1);



(e) unlawfully and intentionally or negligently destroys, damages ortampersorinterfereswithawaterworkoranysealordeviceattachedtoawaterwork;

(f) refusesorfailstogivedataorinformation,orgivesfalseormisleadingdataorinformation,whenrequiredtogivedataorinformationunderthisAct;

(g) inorinconnectionwithanapplicationunderthisAct,makesastatementthatthepersonknowstobefalseormisleadinginamaterialparticular;

(h) obstructsorinterfereswithanauthorisedpersonintheperformanceoftheauthorisedperson’sfunctionsunderthisAct;

(i) by any act or omission unlawfully and intentionally or negligentlycausesawaterresourcetobepolluted;

(j) failstoregisteradamwithasafetyrisk;

(k) failstocomplywithatemporaryrestrictionontheabstractionoruseofwaterimposedunderthisAct;

(l) leviesanyfeeorchargeotherwisethaninaccordancewithatariffoffeesandchargesdeterminedbytheWaterRegulatorunderthisAct;

(m) causes or permits any borehole works to be carried out otherwisethaninaccordancewithaboreholelicenceissuedunderthisActoraspermittedbythisAct;or

(n) drillsor constructsaboreholeorwellof anykindotherwise than inaccordancewithadriller’slicencethatisheldbythatpersonandthatauthorises the person to drill or construct boreholes orwells of thatkind;

(o) commitscontemptoftheWaterTribunal;(p) byanyactoromissionintentionallyornegligentlywasteswaterata

waterpoint.

(2) Apersonconvicted-

(a) of an offence referred to in subsection (1), other than the offencementioned inparagraph (p)of that subsection, is liable to afinenotexceedingN$50000orimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyears,ortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonmentand,inthecaseofasecondconviction,toafinenotexceedingN$500000orimprisonmentfor a period not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and suchimprisonment;or

(b) oftheoffencementionedinparagraph(p)ofsubsection(1), isliabletoafinenotexceedingN$2000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingsixmonths,ortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment.



(3) Despitesubsection(2),iftheoffenceofwhichapersonisconvictedisinrespectofacontinuingactoromission-

(a) thepersonisliable,inadditiontothefineotherwiseapplicabletotheoffenceintermsofthatsubsection,toafineforeachdayduringwhichthe act or omission continues of notmore than one-fifth of the fineprescribedforthatoffence;and

(b) iftheactoromissioncontinuesaftertheconviction,thepersonisguiltyofafurtheroffenceundertherelevantprovisionoftheActandliable,inadditiontothepenaltyotherwiseapplicabletothefurtheroffence,toafineforeachdayduringwhichtheactoromissioncontinuesaftertheconvictionofnotmorethanone-fifthofthepenaltyprescribedfortheoffence.

Compensation order for damage arising from commission of offence

128. OntheconvictionofapersonforanoffenceunderthisAct,thecourtbywhichthepersonisconvicted-

(a) uponawrittenrequestofapersonwhohassufferedanydamagearisingfromthecommissionoftheoffence;or

(b) uponawrittenrequestoftheMinister,wheredamagearisingfromthecommissionoftheoffencehasbeencausedtoawaterresourceoritsdependentecosystems,

may,afterenquiryintothenatureandextentofthedamage,orderthepersonconvictedtopay,inadditiontoanyotherpenaltythatmaybeimposed,compensationtothepersonforthedamagesufferedor,inthecaseofdamagetoawaterresource,compensationtotheMinisterrepresentingtheactualorexpectedcostofrestoringorrehabilitatingthewaterresourceoritsdependentecosystems.

Regulations

129. (1) TheMinistermaymakeregulationsinrelationto-

(a) anymatterrequiredorpermittedtobeprescribedbyregulationunderthisAct;

(b) theparticularstobefurnishedinconnectionwithanyapplicationforalicenceorapermitorotherauthorisationunderthisAct;

(c) theinformationtobeprovidedforpurposesofrecordinginanyregisterkeptorrequiredtobekeptunderthisAct;

(d) the composition of basin management committees, includinginstitutions,organisationorbodiestoberepresentedinthemembershipofabasinmanagementcommittee;

(e) anymatter necessary or expedient for the efficient functioning of abasinmanagementcommitteeoritsmanagementstructure,includingasubcommitteeofabasinmanagementcommittee;



(f) theimpositionofarequirementthatanyengineeringwork,orengineeringworkofaspecifiednature,inrelationtoadamwithasafetyriskmaybecarriedoutonlybyaprofessionalengineerregisteredbytheMinisterforthatpurpose,theproceduresforandrenewalofsucharegistration,the obligations to be complied with by a professional engineer soregisteredandthecircumstancesinwhichsucharegistrationmaybecancelledorsuspended;

(g) the imposition of a requirement that a person practising as a geo-hydrologistinNamibia,mayperformworkofaspecifiednaturerelatedtotheprofessionofageo-hydrologistonlyifthepersonisregisteredbytheMinistertoperformworkofthatnature,theproceduresforandrenewalofsucharegistration,theobligationstobecompliedwithbyageo-hydrologistsoregisteredandthecircumstancesinwhichsucharegistrationmaybecancelledorsuspended;

(h) the eligibility of any institution, organisation, body or person forfinancial assistance under section 126, the manner in which anapplication for financial assistancemust bemade and the terms andconditionsapplicabletoanyfinancialassistancegranted;

(i) theclassificationofdamsintocategories;

(j) theconstruction,maintenanceandrepairofdams;

(k) themannerandextentofmonitoringofdamswithsafetyrisk;

(l) the fees payable in respect of applications for any licence, permit,registrationorotherauthorisationunderthisAct,theissuingandrenewalof a licence, permit, registration certificate or other authorisation ortheissueofaduplicate,licencepermit,registrationcertificateorotherauthorisation;

(m) the registration of impoundments and dams, including dams with asafetyrisk;and

(n) generally any matter which the Minister considers necessary orexpedienttoprescribeinordertoachievethepurposesofthisAct.

(2) If the Minister considers it advisable for the purpose of making aregulation in connection with anymatter mentioned in subsection (1), theMinistermay,bywrittennoticegiveninamannertheMinisterconsidersappropriate,inviteanyinstitution,organisation,bodyorperson,includinganybasinmanagementcommittee,thecontrollingbodyoftheengineeringprofession,anylocalauthority,regionalcouncilorotherorganofStatetoparticipateinanyconsultation,asspecifiedinthatnotice,forthepurposeofformulatingtheregulationproposedtobemade.

(3) Regulationsmadeundersubsection(1)may-

(a) beofgeneralorlimitedapplication;

(b) differaccordingtodifferencesintime,placeorcircumstances;



(c) conferpowersorimposedutiesonanyperson;and

(d) createacriminaloffenceforanycontraventionof,orfailuretocomplywithanyprovisionoftheregulationsandprescribepenaltiesinrespectofanysuchoffencenotexceedingafineofN$100,000orimprisonmentfor a period not exceeding 2 years, or both such penalty and suchimprisonment.

State bound

130. ThisActbindstheState,exceptaprovisionimposingcriminalliabilityforanoffence.

Limitation of liability

131. TheStateoranotherpersonisnotliableforanydamageorlosscausedby-

(a) theexerciseofapowerortheperformanceofafunctionunderthisAct;or

(b) thefailuretoexerciseapower,orperformafunctionunderthisAct,

unlesstheexerciseoforfailuretoexercisethepower,orperformanceoforfailuretoperformthefunction,wasunlawful,negligentorinbadfaith.

Transitional provisions

132. (1) Inthissection“repealedlaw”meansalawrepealedbysection133.

(2) Anydeclarationofanareaasawatercontrolarea thatwasof forceunderarepealedlawimmediatelybeforethecommencementofthisAct,continuestobeofforceandisdeemedtohavebeendeclaredawaterprotectionareaundersection85ofthisAct.

(3) ApersonwhoimmediatelybeforethecommencementofthisActwasauthorisedtoabstractandusewaterunderapermitinforceunderarepealedlaw,maycontinuetoabstractandusewaterinaccordancewiththeauthorisationgrantedbythatpermit,butthatpersonmustapplytotheMinister,notlaterthan18monthsafterthedateofcommencementofthisAct,fortheissueofalicencetoabstractandusewaterundersection44ofthisAct,andsuchapplicationmustbeaccompaniedbyastatementsettingout-

(a) thevolumeofwaterabstractedduringeachofthetwoyearsimmediatelyprecedingtheapplication;

(b) thewaterresourcefromwhichtheabstractionismade;

(c) thepurposeforwhichtheabstractedwaterisbeingused;

(d) thedatewhentheabstractioncommenced;



(e) theparticularsinrelationtoeffluent,ifany,dischargedasaresultoftheabstraction;and

(f) anyotherinformationasprescribedorastheMinistermayrequire.

(4) ApersonwhoimmediatelybeforethecommencementofthisActwasauthorised to discharge effluent under a permit in force under a repealed law,maycontinuewiththedischargeofeffluentinaccordancewiththeauthorisationgrantedbythatpermit,butthatpersonmust,inaccordancewithsection72ofthisAct,applytotheMinister,notlaterthan18monthsafterthedateofcommencementofthisAct,fortheissueofalicencetodischargeeffluentunderthisAct,andsuchapplicationmustbeaccompaniedbyastatementsettingout-

(a) thevolumeofeffluentdischargedduringeachofthetwoyearsprecedingtheapplication;

(b) anywaterresourceintowhichtheeffluentisdischarged;

(c) thechemicalconstituentsandtheconcentrationvaluesoftheeffluent,asfarasisknown;

(d) thedatewhenthedischargecommenced;and

(e) anyotherinformationastheMinistermayrequire.

(5) A person who immediately before the commencement of this Actoperatedawastewatertreatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsitemaycontinuetooperatethatwastewater treatment facilityorwastedisposal site, despite the requirementsofsection69(2),butthatpersonmust,inaccordancewithsection72,applytotheMinisterfortheissueofalicencetooperatethatwastewatertreatmentfacilityordisposalsiteunderthisActnotlaterthan18monthsafterthedateofcommencementofthisAct.

(6) Without prejudice to subsections (3), (4) and (5), a personwho, onthe date of commencement of thisAct, owns or uses or is in control of any dam,impoundment or borehole or carries on an activitywhich is required by thisAct tobe licensed, registered or authorised otherwise, and in respect of which, before thecommencementofthisAct,apermitorotherauthorisationwasnotrequiredintermsofarepealedlaw,maycontinuetouseorcontrolsuchdamorboreholeortocarryonsuchactivitywithouttherequiredlicence,registrationorauthorisation,butthatpersonmust,inaccordancewiththisAct,applytotheMinisterfortheissueoftheappropriatelicence,registrationcertificateorotherauthorisationunderthisAct,notlaterthan18monthsafterthedateofcommencementofthisAct.

(7) Apersonauthorisedby-

(a) subsection (3) to continue with the abstraction and use of water inaccordancewiththepermitreferredtointhatsubsection;

(b) subsection(4)tocontinuewiththedischargeofeffluentinaccordancewiththepermitreferredtointhatsubsection;

(c) subsection(5)tocontinueoperatingawastewatertreatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite;or



(d) subsection (6) tocontinueusingorcontrollingadamorboreholeorcarryingonanactivityreferredtointhatsubsection,

ceasestobesoauthorisedontheexpiryofthe18months’periodreferredtointhosesubsectionsifthepersonhasfailedtoapplytotheMinisterfortheissueoftheappropriatelicence,registrationorotherauthorisationunderthisActbeforetheexpiryofthatperiod,unless theMinister upon application and good cause shown by any affected persongrantsanextensionofthatperiod,butnotexceedinganadditionalperiodof12months,andsubjecttosuchconditionsastheMinistermayimpose.

(8) Any tariffsof fees andcharges in respectofwater supplyandotherwaterrelatedserviceswhichwereofforceandleviedbyanyauthority,bodyorpersonunderanylaw,immediatelybeforethedateofcommencementofthisAct,continuetobeofeffectuntiltariffsoffeesandchargesaredeterminedbytheWaterRegulatorinrespectofthatauthority,bodyorpersonunderthisAct.

(9) Anyapplicationforalicencecontemplatedinsubsection(3),(4),(5)or(6)mustbedealtwithandevaluatedinaccordancewiththeproceduresandrequirementsofthisActapplicabletoanewapplication.

Repeal and amendment of laws and savings

133. (1) The laws set out in theSchedule to thisAct are repealedoramendedtotheextentindicatedinColumn3oftheSchedule.

(2) Subjecttosection132,anythingdoneunderalawrepealedbysubsection(1),whichwasofforceimmediatelybeforethedateofsuchrepealandwhichmaybedoneunderacorrespondingprovisionofthisAct,continuestobeofforceandisdeemedtohavebeendoneunderthatcorrespondingprovision.

Short title and commencement

134. (1) ThisActiscalledtheWaterResourcesManagementAct,2013andcomesintooperationonadatedeterminedbytheMinisterbynoticeintheGazette.

(2) Differentdatesmaybedeterminedundersubsection(1)inrespectofdifferentprovisionsofthisAct.

(3) AnyreferenceinanyprovisionofthisActtothecommencementofthisActisconstruedasareferencetothedatedeterminedundersubsection(1)relatingtothatparticularprovision.



SCHEDULE

LAWSREPEALEDORAMENDED(Section133)

No. and Year of Law Short Title Extent of Repeal or AmendmentActNo.54of1956ActNo.75of1957ActNo.56of1961ActNo.63of1963ActNo.71of1965ActNo.11of1966ActNo.79of1967ActNo.77of1969ActNo.34of1971ActNo.45of1972ActNo.58of1974ActNo.42of1975ActNo.27of1976ActNo.108of1977ActNo.4of1982ActNo.22of1985ActNo.23of1992

ActNo.12of1997

WaterAct,1956WaterAmendmentAct,1957WaterAmendmentAct,1961WaterAmendmentAct,1963WaterAmendmentAct,1965WaterAmendmentAct,1966WaterAmendmentAct,1967WaterAmendmentAct,1969WaterAmendmentAct,1971WaterAmendmentAct,1972WaterAmendmentAct,1974WaterAmendmentAct,1975WaterAmendmentAct,1976WaterAmendmentAct.1977WaterAmendmentAct1982WaterAmendmentAct1985LocalAuthoritiesAct,1992

Namwater Corporation Act,1997

RepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeThe amendment of section 30(1) bythe substitution in paragraph (u) forthe words preceding subparagrph (i)ofthefollowingwords:

“(u) to determine by notice in theGazette, the charges, fees andothermoneys payable in respectofanyservice,amenityorfacilityestablished and provided by itunderthisAct,butsubject,inthecaseoffeesandchargesinrespectof thesupplyofwaterandotherwaterrelatedservice,toanytariffof fees and charges determinedbytheWaterRegulatorundertheWater Resources ManagementAct, 2013 that is applicable tothelocalauthoritycouncil,oranymatter regulated and controlledbyitthereunder,including-”.

(a) Theamendmentofsection6-

(i) bythesubstitutionforparagraph(a) of subsection (1) of thefollowingparagraph:

“(a) explore, develop and managewater resources under theCorporation’s control for thepurposeofwatersupply;”and



No. and Year of Law Short Title Extent of Repeal or Amendment(ii) by the substitution for paragraph

(c)ofthefollowingparagraph:

“(c) subject to section 7 [and notwithstanding any provisions of the Water Act to the contrary], supply water tocustomers within and outsidethe borders of the Republic ofNamibia;”.

(b) Theamendmentofsection7-

(i) by the substitution for paragraph(a) of subsection (1) of thefollowingparagraph:

“(a)levytariffsforthesupplyofwaterin accordancewith the tariffs offees and charges determined bytheWaterRegulatorinaccordancewithPart4oftheWaterResourcesManagement Act, 2013, whichtariffs are to be determined bytheWaterRegulatoronafullcostrecoverybasis.”;and

(ii)bythesubstitutionforparagraph(b) of subsection (1) of thefollowingparagraph:

“(b) determine and levy charges

for services rendered, otherthan water supply, facilitiesprovided or rights leased by theCorporation;”and

(c) The substitution for subsection

(1)ofsection14ofthefollowingsubsection:

“(1)TheCorporationshall,subjectto the provisions of this Actand any standards prescribedin respect of water quality andwater supply services under theWater Resources ManagementAct,2013,andafterconsultationwithsuchbodiesorpersonsasitmay deem necessary, formulateand maintain service standardsin respect ofwater, services andfacilitiesor leaseof rightsunderthisAct, and may from time totimeamendthosestandards.”.



No. and Year of Law Short Title Extent of Repeal or AmendmentActNo.24of2004

R1278of1971

WaterResourcesManagementAct,2004

RegulationR1278of23July1971

Repealedaswhole

Repealedaswhole

________________

government gazette · noting of servitude and amendment by endorsement against title deed 113....

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